Spaghetti with Bacon and Ground Beef Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Pasta:
1 pound spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water
For the Sauce:
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta and water aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Beef:
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef to the bacon fat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Stir in the crispy bacon, saving a little for garnish.
5. Serve:
Divide the spaghetti among plates. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
💡 Tips:
Customize the Meat: For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and pork sausage or add ground turkey for a lighter version.
Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your pasta.
Spaghetti with Bacon and Ground Beef is a perfect combination of savory, crispy, and hearty flavors. This dish will quickly become a family favorite! 🍝