Pasta Bucatini with Bacon Sauce and Meatballs
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this delectable recipe for Pasta Bucatini with Bacon Sauce and Meatballs! This dish combines the satisfying chew of bucatini pasta with juicy, Parmesan-infused meatballs simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The smoky-sweet bacon adds a luxurious depth of flavor, while aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, along with a subtle kick of red chili flakes, make the sauce irresistibly robust. Tender meatballs nestled in the tangy bacon-tomato sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date-night meal, this recipe is easy to follow and comes together in just an hour. Serve this pasta masterpiece garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams bucatini pasta
- 500 grams ground beef
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 40 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 150 grams bacon, diced
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water for the bucatini. You'll cook the pasta later while the sauce is simmering.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, half of the minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the diced bacon. Sauté the bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and the remaining minced garlic to the pan with the bacon. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer the sauce on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the bucatini in the boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Add the cooked bucatini to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve the Pasta Bucatini with Bacon Sauce and Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4338 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.2 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.4 g | 357% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 778 mg | 260% | |
| Sodium | 7882 mg | 343% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 408.1 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.4 g | 144% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.2 g | ||
| Protein | 232.6 g | 465% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 918 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 35.4 mg | 197% | |
| Potassium | 5256 mg | 112% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
