BAKED SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE WITH BACON AND CHEESE: A COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Bacon and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. With tender spaghetti coated in a rich marinara-cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, this casserole takes comfort food to the next level. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy: Layers of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar make this casserole irresistibly creamy.
• Savory Bacon Topping: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the cheesy pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this dish is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• Spaghetti (12 oz, cooked and drained): The base of the dish, providing the perfect texture to soak up the creamy sauce. Substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if desired.
• Bacon (6 strips, cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the casserole.

Cheesy Sauce:

• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): A sharp, melty cheese that makes the casserole irresistibly rich.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Enhances the richness and ties the flavors together.

Sauce Base:

• Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Brings tomato-based flavor and moisture to the dish. Use homemade or store-bought marinara.
• Onion (1 medium, diced) & Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provide aromatic depth and flavor.

Seasoning:

• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

Cooking Essentials:

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the aromatics.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Bacon and Cheese

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Combine the Spaghetti Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 4 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the other cup for topping), and the marinara sauce mixture.
2. Toss the ingredients together until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
3. Distribute the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer.

5. Bake the Casserole

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you prefer a slightly crispier cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color, if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the spaghetti to ensure it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
3. Customize Your Marinara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
4. Avoid Overmixing: Toss the spaghetti mixture gently to maintain the texture of the pasta.
5. Line the Baking Dish: For easy cleanup, line the baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the veggie content.
2. Switch the Protein: Replace bacon with cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken.
3. Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
4. Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
5. Mexican-Style: Swap marinara sauce with salsa, cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend, and add black beans or corn for a Tex-Mex twist.

Perfect Pairings

1. Garlic Bread: The ultimate side dish to scoop up the cheesy sauce.
2. Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for added nutrition.
4. Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the bold flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if chilled.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Cool the casserole completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses work beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Bacon and Cheese is everything you love about pasta, bacon, and cheese baked into one irresistible dish. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a complete meal that’s guaranteed to please. Try this recipe tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your home!

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