Smoky Beef and Bacon Bolognese
Holy smokes. We've kicked this pasta up a notch, with serious barbecue flavour for a bold dinner that even sneaks a secret vegetable or two.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 750 g beef mince
- 4 slices middle rasher bacon diced
- 500 g pasta we used fettucine
- 1 brown onion
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 60 ml red wine
- 2 x 400 g cans diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 zucchini grated
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 20 drops liquid smoke
- 2 tsp smoky paprika or more, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Set a large saucepan of water over a high heat and bring to the boil.
- Meanwhile heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir fry until onions are translucent.
- Add the minced beef and diced bacon and continue fry until browned.
- Pour in red wine and cook until liquid evaporates. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the grated carrot and zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir through until well combined.
- Gradually add the liquid smoke, smoky paprika, salt and pepper until you’re happy with the flavour. Continue to simmer on low.
- Add the pasta into the pot of boiling water and cook according to packet directions.
- When pasta is ready, place on serving dishes and top with the Smoky Beef and Bacon Bolognese sauce.
Notes
We cooked a big batch of this Bolognese because we were feeding 6 hungry people. If you’re cooking for a smaller number, we recommend freezing the rest for future lunch or dinnertime awesomeness.
Optional: Add your favourite fresh herbs for an extra depth of flavour. Basil, oregano or rosemary would work really well, but they’re not essential.