Les' Spaghetti
Les' Spaghetti is a hearty, savory dish with smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add chopped green pepper and onion to the boiling water.
- Cook for 10 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add large can of tomato juice to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Dice the bacon and fry until brown.
- Remove bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Add bacon to the tomato mixture, along with a little bacon fat for added flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Combine the drained spaghetti with the tomato and bacon mixture.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade tomato juice or adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. You can substitute the bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Les' Spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. This dish complements well with a side of Italian garlic bread or a simple green salad. Pair it with a light red wine for a delightful meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Les' Spaghetti contains roughly 353 calories, with 17g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2200mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 6-8 medium-sized tomatoes. Dice them and simmer until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. This will add a fresh flavor to the dish, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to Les' Spaghetti, consider adding red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapenos to the vegetable mixture. You could also stir in some hot Italian sausage while cooking the bacon for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tomato and bacon mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, cook the spaghetti fresh and combine it with the pre-made sauce for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).