Bacon & Beef Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients

• 400 g beef mince
• 150 g streaky bacon, diced
• 400 g spaghetti
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1½ tbsp BlixSam Pasta a la Sam
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 × 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 250 ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil, if needed
• 30 g butter
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Add the diced bacon to a large cold pan. Place over medium heat and cook until golden and crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
3. If necessary, add a little olive oil. Add BlixSam Pasta a la Sam and bloom in the bacon fat for 20–30 seconds.
4. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
5. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
6. Increase the heat and add the beef mince. Brown thoroughly, breaking it apart and allowing some dark caramelised edges to develop.
7. Add the tomato paste and fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly darkened.
8. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, oregano and smoked paprika.
9. Return about two-thirds of the crispy bacon to the sauce, reserving the rest for serving.
10. Simmer uncovered over low-medium heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
11. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
12. Stir the butter through the Bolognese. Add the spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water, then toss over low heat until every strand is beautifully coated.
13. Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon, Parmesan and fresh parsley.

💛 BlixSam Tip