Introduction
This delightful dish brings together crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a medley of savory tomatoes, all mixed with al dente spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe combines hearty flavors and comforting textures in one skillet.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ pound bacon, cut into ½-inch diced pieces
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 cup yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces tomato sauce
14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel Original)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
½ pound spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained according to package directions
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup mixed into the sauce and ½ cup for garnish)
2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions (scallions)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for 12-14 minutes until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet and return it to the stovetop.
Cook the Beef and Onions
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the Sauces and Tomatoes
Add the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain the noodles.
Combine Ingredients
Add the drained noodles, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to fully combine all the ingredients.
Garnish and Serve
Top the skillet with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions as garnish. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese melts, before serving.
Notes
Bacon Cooking Tips
Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
Ground Beef Options
You can use leaner or fattier ground beef depending on your preference, keeping in mind that leaner meat may result in a drier outcome.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add more cheese, if desired, for a richer flavor.
Adjusting Spiciness
The hot sauce can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance; you may also omit it for a milder dish.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Cooking Bacon
Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 12-14 minutes, allowing the fat to render.
Ground Beef Preparation
Increase the skillet temperature to medium-high and add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Simmering Sauce
Combine tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Cooking Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti noodles in a large pot of water following package directions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Combining Ingredients
Add drained spaghetti noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon to the sauce in the skillet. Toss until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Melting Cheese
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if preferred.
What can I use if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
You can use regular diced tomatoes instead; just add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of hot sauce or add fresh diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
What types of cheese can I use besides cheddar?
You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for different flavors and textures.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, adding a bit of water or sauce if needed to loosen it up.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish combines crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and a zesty tomato sauce, all brought together with tender spaghetti noodles and melted cheddar cheese. The thoughtful blend of spices and the addition of green chilies give it a delightful kick, making it a perfect comfort meal for any occasion. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Bacon Mac and Cheese
Replace the spaghetti noodles with elbow macaroni. Stir in additional spices like paprika and cayenne for a kick, and top with crispy bacon and more cheese.
Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Use the beef and cheese mixture to stuff halved bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted for a hearty meal.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Incorporate pickles and mustard into the sauce to replicate a classic cheeseburger flavor, then serve it topped with crispy bacon and additional cheese.
Vegetable Beef Skillet
Add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet, enhancing nutrition while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Use the beef and cheese mixture as the filling for quesadillas. Cook until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted, serving with salsa or sour cream.
