Save to Pinterest A hearty twist on the Italian classic: rich, slow-simmered meat sauce enhanced with crispy bacon, sweet green peas, and a hint of smoked paprika. Familiar comfort with bold flavor upgrades.
I first discovered adding smoky bacon and peas to Bolognese after visiting a friend's home in Florence. The subtle smokiness and sweet peas instantly won over my family, and it’s been our go-to version ever since.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Base: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti, 1 tbsp olive oil, 100 g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon (diced), 1 onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 carrot (finely diced), 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- Bolognese Sauce: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or beef-pork mix), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 100 ml (⅓ cup) red wine (optional), ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste
- Finish: 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen), 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan (optional), fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Start the base:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil. Fry bacon until crispy. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Make the sauce:
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and oregano. Deglaze with wine (if using), then add crushed tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until thickened.
- Add peas and adjust:
- Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and serve:
- Toss spaghetti with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Save to Pinterest This dish always makes an appearance for our Sunday dinner. Watching everyone dig in, with Parmesan and fresh basil sprinkled on top, is a highlight of our weekend.
Required Tools
Pot for pasta, large sauté pan or Dutch oven, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: gluten (pasta), dairy (Parmesan), possible sulfites (wine)
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620, Total Fat: 28 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 38 g
Save to Pinterest This Spaghetti Bolognese is sure to become your new family favorite. Enjoy the smoky, savory flavors in every bite.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a beef-pork mix for the sauce?
Yes, a beef-pork mix brings richer, more complex flavor to the Bolognese-style sauce.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without gluten while keeping its delicious texture.
- → What can I substitute for bacon?
Pancetta works well, or leave the bacon out for a lighter result—both options provide savory notes.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight, making it ideal for batch cooking or meal prepping.
- → Do I need to use wine in the sauce?
Wine adds depth, but you can skip it if preferred—the sauce will still be rich and satisfying.
- → Is Parmesan cheese required as a topping?
Parmesan enhances flavor, but it’s optional. Fresh herbs also make a great finishing touch.