Hey fellow foodies! Are you ready to jazz up your usual pasta night? Let's face it, spaghetti is a classic for a reason, but sometimes we crave a little something extra. That's where my version of bacon spaghetti comes in, and it's not just about adding bacon, it's about creating a dish that's both delicious and good for you!
A Twist on Tradition
I'm not going to lie, the original recipe this is loosely based on, from some old blog, was a bit heavy on the 'treat' side. But hey, we're here to make things better, right? So, we're keeping the star of the show – the bacon – but we're upping the flavor ante with a few tweaks that will make this a weeknight winner!
The Magic of Broth and Garlic
The secret here is in the sauce. We're not just dumping a can of tomatoes and hoping for the best. Oh no! We're going to build layers of flavor, starting with crispy bacon, then adding ground sirloin for protein, which can be easily substituted for turkey mince to reduce saturated fats. Freshly chopped garlic and bay leaves provide warmth and depth. And the kicker? A splash of dry red wine to deglaze the pan – it adds a subtle richness you just can’t get from anything else. We’ll also add some good quality beef broth, and crushed tomatoes for the perfect pasta sauce.
Healthy and Happy Cooking
Now, let’s be real, traditional pasta dishes can sometimes be a bit of a carb overload. But the good news is, you can easily swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat or even zucchini noodles if you're feeling extra virtuous. And the best part? This dish is incredibly versatile! You can adjust the amounts of the ingredients to your preference. The sauce can simmer for a while for a more intense flavor or can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick dinner later. And, because we are all about balance here, don't forget to add a generous amount of chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to brighten everything up. And make it look pretty for the photo!
Ready to Get Started?
This recipe is a breeze, it can be ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something comforting without the fuss.
Ready to try it yourself? You can find the full recipe below. And, if you're looking for more ways to plan healthy and delicious meals, don't forget to check out the awesome Menuistia App. It's your best friend in the kitchen for custom recipe creation and menu planning, and it will definitely help you to plan delicious, balanced meals.
The Recipe:
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground sirloin or turkey mince
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 lb whole wheat or regular thin spaghetti
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet. Drain off excess grease if needed.
- Add the ground sirloin to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Add the garlic and bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes. Then, add the red wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the cooked bacon and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy bacon spaghetti! Remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated, and with the right approach, you can have both flavor and nutrition on your plate. Happy cooking!
Check out the Menuistia app for all your custom recipe creation needs!