Spaghetti Ala Carbonara(To Serve 4 People Generously)
A hearty Italian pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, crisp bacon, and bold flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love rich, savory comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. soft butter ⓘ
- 2 whole eggs ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 6 to 8 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 lb. beef boneless eye of round
- 1/2 lb. spiced sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cooked ham, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sweet pimento, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. stuffed Spanish olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Spanish cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 large carrots, sliced thick ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Spanish cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 large carrots, sliced thick ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut a narrow (1-inch) X-shape all the way through the beef roast with a long, thin sharp knife.
- Fill the X-cut with sausage, ham, and pimento.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven until hot.
- Cook the beef over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the Dutch oven.
- Add remaining ingredients to the Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the beef is tender, about 2 hours.
- Remove bay leaves from the sauce.
- Slice the beef and arrange on a serving plate.
- Skim fat from the sauce.
- Pour some sauce over the sliced beef.
- Serve with white or Spanish rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce just before serving. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage instead of spiced sausage for a leaner option. Make sure to sear the beef well to develop a deeper flavor, which is crucial for this dish's overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef dish alongside a bed of fluffy white or Spanish rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement the richness of the dish beautifully. For a comforting experience, consider pairing it with a side of Italian Delight Hot Dish or a classic Spaghetti Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the beef and sauce. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Ala Carbonara(To Serve 4 People Generously) contains roughly 2409 calories, with 49g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 160g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the eye of round with cuts like chuck roast or brisket, which are also flavorful and tender when cooked slowly. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts may require more or less time to become tender.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in the sauce. Additionally, using a spicier sausage will elevate the overall flavor profile. Taste as you go to ensure you reach your desired spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and use a mix of beans for protein. For the sausage, try a plant-based alternative. Ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian take on this classic recipe.
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).