Description
This Easy Turkey Bacon Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti with savory turkey bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep, this baked pasta casserole is simple to assemble and bakes up into a golden, cheesy masterpiece. The turkey bacon adds a smoky twist while keeping things lighter than traditional bacon, and the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create a satisfying texture in every bite. With its easy preparation and make-ahead flexibility, this recipe is a lifesaver for feeding a hungry crowd. Serve it alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dish:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 lb ground turkey (optional, for added protein)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey (if using), diced onion, and minced garlic until the turkey is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, marinara mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled turkey bacon.
5. Bake the Dish:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
