SPAGHETTI WITH BACON

As children, my sisters and brothers and I always requested this satisfying dish for our birthday dinners. The recipe was passed down from my grandmother, who prepared it when my mother was a child nearly 90 years ago. I’ve continued the tasty tradition with my own children.

—RUTH KEOGH NORTH ST. PAUL, MN



PREP: 15 MIN. BAKE: 45 MIN. MAKES: 4-6 SERVINGS


1/2 pound bacon, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a skillet, brown bacon and onion until bacon is crisp; drain. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.

2. Place cooked spaghetti in a 2-qt. baking dish. Pour sauce over, cover and bake 45 minutes.

Cook to Cook

My whole family adores this simple baked spaghetti dish. Over the years I have added garlic powder, oregano and a pinch each of allspice and cayenne to the sauce to brighten the flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and/or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs. But no matter how I make it, the pan is always emptied—pronto!

—FRIEDAG