Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish

Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of spaghetti with the savory crunch of turkey bacon. As someone who has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, I can tell you that this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional baked spaghetti. The combination of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and crispy turkey bacon creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.

This dish has gained popularity over the years, especially among those looking for a lighter yet indulgent meal. People love Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti for its incredible taste and texture, as well as its convenience for busy weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Spaghetti

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Cooking the Turkey Bacon and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy. This will add a wonderful flavor to the dish.
2. Once the turkey bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Combining Ingredients

1. Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, add the cooked turkey bacon back in.
2. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Baked Spaghetti

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the turkey bacon and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
3. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the first layer of spaghetti.
5. Now, add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, spreading it out evenly again.
6. Finally, top the entire dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Baking the Spaghetti

1. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
2. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving the Dish

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.
2. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory turkey bacon, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce creates a dish that is not only comforting but also packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein while keeping things light and delicious. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this baked spaghetti with a fresh side salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread for that perfect crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the mix for an extra burst of color and nutrition. You can also switch up the cheese—try using mozzarella for a gooey texture or a sprinkle of parmesan for a sharp finish. I truly encourage you to give this Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. Cooking is all about creativity, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Print

Turkey Bacon Baked Spaghetti: A Delicious and Healthy Twist on a Classic Dish
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
This Baked Spaghetti with Turkey Bacon is a comforting dish featuring al dente spaghetti, crispy turkey bacon, and sautéed vegetables, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it’s both hearty and delicious!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
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1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
4. Remove the turkey bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
5. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
7. In the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, add the cooked turkey bacon back in.
8. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
9. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
11. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the turkey bacon and vegetable mixture. Toss until well coated.
12. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
13. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the first layer of spaghetti.
14. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
15. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
16. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
17. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
18. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes to help the layers set.
19. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
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Notes
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes