Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives

Wanting comfort food due to a stressful day at work I knew that dinner tonight had to be pasta of some description.  I wanted good ol' Spaghetti Bolognaise but on the other hand also wanted something different.

So with that in mind I was trying to combine my two wants to satisfy my need..... meat sauce but with a difference?  This is where my thoughts led...... Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives.  A very pleasing result.. full comfort food that's for sure.

The meat sauce full of beef and bacon was not only thick but very filling, the kalamata olives brought a pleasant saltiness complimenting the fresh rosemary perfectly.  The flavours worked so well together.

Pasta with Beef, Bacon, Rosemary and Olives

Serves: 8

ProPoints per serve: 14

cooking spray

1 brown onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

250 grams reduced fat bacon

750 grams premium beef mince

4 large sprigs fresh oregano, chopped to 2 inch lengths

1 cup port

2 teaspoons salt

1 teapsoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup tomato paste

440 gram can diced tomatoes

150 grams Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

250 grams pasta of your choice

60 grams fresh parmesan cheese

Spray a large frying pan with cooking spray and heat over a medium heat.  Cook onion and garlic for 5 minutes or until onion has softened.  Add bacon and cook for a further 5 minutes.  Add beef and cook until beef has browned.

Add the rosemary and port.  Increase heat to medium hight and cook until liquid has almost absorbed.  Stir through salt and pepper.

Add tomato paste and stir to combine. 

Stir through diced tomatoes and reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile bring a large saucepan of water to boil and cook pasta according to packet directions.  Drain.

Stir through olives and cook for 5 minutes to ensure they are heated through. Quickly remove the rosemary stalks.  Serve pasta topped with sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

(click here for a printable version of this recipe)