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Authentic Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake

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This Italian-style Spaghetti Bake is a comforting dinner that combines savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and tender pasta for a dish that’s hard to resist. Topped with melty cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners or when you want a filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

  1. For the Pasta & Meat Sauce:

    • 300 g spaghetti
    • 200 g bacon, chopped
    • 1 red onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 700 g minced beef
    • 200 g tomato sauce
    • Salt & black pepper, to taste

    For the Béchamel Sauce:

    • 40 g butter
    • 30 g flour
    • 500 ml milk
    • Salt & nutmeg, to taste

    For Topping:

    1. Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess!)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

  • Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
    In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon fat for 2–3 minutes.
    Add the minced beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned.
    Stir in the tomato sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

  • Make the Béchamel Sauce:
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
    Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
    Gradually add milk while whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg.

  • Assemble the Bake:
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and béchamel sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.

  • Add Toppings:
    Sprinkle the top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy finish.

  • Bake:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  • Serve & Enjoy:
    Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy your authentic Italian-style spaghetti bake!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat sauce.
  • If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • You can freeze the assembled dish before baking, then bake directly from the freezer for 40–50 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/authentic-italian-style-spaghetti-bake/