Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/22 checked
6
servings
2 tbsp

butter

Unsalted

2 tbsp

olive oil

Extra virgin

1.5 cup

onions

finely chopped

3 slice

lean bacon

in small pieces

1 piece

carrot

chopped

1 piece

celery

chopped

0.5 lb

ground beef

coarsely ground

2 unit

chicken livers

minced

2 tbsp

tomato paste

0.5 cup

dry white wine

1 cup

beef stock

1 unit

bay leaf

1 strip

lemon peel

1 pinch

salt

to taste

1 pinch

black pepper

freshly ground, to taste

1 clove

garlic

crushed

3 l

water

1 lb

spaghetti

uncooked

0.5 cup

cream

4 tbsp

butter

Unsalted

4 tbsp

parmesan cheese

freshly grated

1 unit

parmesan cheese

freshly grated, for garnish

Step 1
~5 min

Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy skillet.

Step 2
~5 min

Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 3
~5 min

Add bacon, chopped carrot, and celery; sauté until lightly browned (5-7 minutes).

Step 4
~5 min

Add coarsely ground beef and stir until coated with fat.

Step 5
~5 min

Add minced chicken livers, stir, and cook until the meat browns evenly (5-7 minutes).

Step 6
~5 min

Stir in tomato paste, white wine, beef stock, bay leaf, lemon peel, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic.

Step 7
~5 min

Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8
~5 min

Remove bay leaf and lemon peel; simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens.

Step 9
~5 min

Cook spaghetti according to package directions (7-10 minutes); drain well.

Step 10
~5 min

Just before serving, add cream or half-and-half to the sauce; stir and heat through.

Step 11
~5 min

Place cooked spaghetti on a warm platter.

Step 12
~5 min

Dot with 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan.

Step 13
~5 min

Serve the pasta with the meat sauce on the side or in the center of the platter.

Step 14
~5 min

Pass with additional freshly grated Parmesan, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine vinegar towards the end of cooking.

Simmering the sauce longer will develop a deeper, more complex flavor.

Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days in advance; flavor improves with time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong, savory
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad.

Offer a variety of red wines.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Caesar salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Bologna, Italy

Cultural Significance

A staple of Italian cuisine, often served on special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Dinner party
Family dinner
Weeknight meal

Popularity Score

75/100

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