Italian spaghetti recipe with bacon and minced beef

Here’s a hearty and flavorful Italian-style Spaghetti with Bacon and Minced Beef recipe — rich, savory, and perfect for a family dinner.

🍝 Spaghetti with Bacon & Minced Beef

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25–30 min

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb (450 g) minced beef (ground beef)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   • Boil spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the bacon:
   • In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
   • Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the beef:
   • In the same skillet, add minced beef.
   • Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Sauté aromatics:
   • Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
5. Make the sauce:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
   • Add back the cooked bacon.
6. Combine pasta and sauce:
   • Toss spaghetti into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
7. Serve:
   • Serve hot with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

🍴 Tips & Variations

• Cheesy twist: Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella for a creamy texture.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
• Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be made a day in advance; reheat and toss with pasta.

If you want, I can also give a one-pan spaghetti version with bacon and beef that cooks in under 25 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.