Pasta Napolitana Recipe
Pasta Napolitana is a classic Italian dish of ground beef, sausage, bacon, and tomato sauce layered over spaghetti. It is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy, and is a favorite among Italian cuisine lovers. The dish is flavorful and hearty, making it an excellent meal for any time of the year. It’s also perfect for entertaining guests as it can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 415kcal
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dry red wine enriching the sauce with a subtle fruity and complex taste, adding depth and sophistication to the dish
- 1/2 pound ground beef imparting a robust and meaty element to the Bolognese sauce, adding texture and heartiness
- 1/2 large onion chopped, contributing a mild and sweet flavor to the Bolognese sauce, adding depth and complexity to the dish
- 1/2 jar 12 ounces marinara sauce, providing a robust and tangy base for the Bolognese, adding depth, acidity, and a velvety texture to the sauce
- 1/2 can 7-1/4 ounces chicken broth, adding a savory and umami quality to the Bolognese sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavor
- 1/2 can 4 ounces mushroom stems and pieces, adding an earthy and meaty flavor to the Bolognese sauce, enhancing its richness and texture
- 4 bacon strips adding a smoky and savory note to the dish, providing richness and depth of flavor
- 1/6 tablespoons pepperoni chopped, offering a spicy and savory kick to the sauce, infusing it with a bold and zesty flavor
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and enhancing the overall sweetness of the sauce, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste
- 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage offering a blend of herbs and spices, infusing the sauce with an authentic Italian flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience
- 1/2 can 3 ounces tomato paste, intensifying the tomato flavor and adding a concentrated richness to the sauce, enhancing its thickness and consistency
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes offering a fiery kick and a spicy note to the Bolognese sauce, adding a touch of heat and complexity
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder infusing the Bolognese sauce with a robust and aromatic garlic flavor, adding depth and complexity
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano providing a fragrant and herbaceous note to the sauce, enhancing the overall Italian flavor profile
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil offering a fresh and slightly peppery taste, enhancing the herbal complexity of the Bolognese sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil providing a smooth and silky texture to the sauce, enhancing the richness and adding a touch of fruitiness
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes adding a mild and grassy flavor to the sauce, brightening the overall taste profile
- Grated Parmesan cheese garnishing the spaghetti Bolognese, adding a nutty and savory touch, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of the dish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram adding a subtle and floral flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall herbal notes
- Hot cooked spaghetti serving as the base for the Bolognese sauce, offering a satisfying and hearty foundation to the dish
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage providing a warm and earthy taste to the Bolognese sauce, adding depth and richness
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt enhancing the overall flavor and adding a balanced blend of spices to the Bolognese sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper adding a mild and peppery heat to the sauce, enhancing its overall savory and aromatic qualities
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed, contributing a fragrant and pine-like essence to the Bolognese sauce, adding depth and complexity
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce providing a tangy and umami taste to the Bolognese sauce, enhancing its overall depth of flavor
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving one tablespoon of drippings. Set bacon aside for later use.
- In the same skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain if necessary and set aside.
- Heat oil in the same skillet; add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook and stir for 1 minute more. Add remaining ingredients except for spaghetti and Parmesan cheese; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- To serve, place cooked spaghetti onto individual plates; top with sauce and sprinkle with bacon and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a smooth texture, puree the sauce in a food processor or blender before serving.
- If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef and sausage if desired.
