**Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Beef and Bacon 🍝🧀**
A comforting, hearty dish that combines tender spaghetti, savory minced beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
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**📝 Ingredients:**
**For the Spaghetti:**
– 300g spaghetti
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 400g minced beef
– 200g bacon, chopped
– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Cheese Topping:**
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– ½ cup grated Parmesan
– ½ cup heavy cream or béchamel sauce
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**👩🍳 Instructions:**
**1. Cook the Spaghetti:**
– Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
**2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
– Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
– Add the minced beef and bacon, cooking until browned and crispy.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
**3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:**
– In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.
**4. Assemble and Bake:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish.
– Drizzle the heavy cream or béchamel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
**5. Serve & Enjoy:**
– Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
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**💡 Tips & Variations:**
– **Add veggies:** Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
– **Spice it up:** Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
– **Make it creamy:** Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese into the meat sauce.
– **Storage:** Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
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Enjoy this cheesy, comforting baked spaghetti for a meal that’s sure to satisfy! 😊