When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, Spaghetti Carbonara stands out as a timeless favorite. However, traditional carbonara recipes use pancetta or guanciale (both derived from pork), which may not suit everyone’s dietary preferences. That’s where this Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Beef Bacon comes in—offering the same rich, creamy indulgence.
This recipe maintains the integrity of the classic dish while substituting beef bacon for a perfectly crispy, smoky alternative. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this indulgent pasta at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Pork-Free Alternative: Perfect for those who don’t consume pork but still crave a creamy carbonara. ✔ Authentic Flavor & Texture: Swaps pancetta for crispy beef bacon, keeping the dish rich and savory. ✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. ✔ Restaurant-Quality: Achieve a silky, creamy sauce without using heavy cream. ✔ Customizable: Adapt the dish with different pasta shapes or cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 350g spaghetti (or any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Carbonara Sauce:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 100g Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Beef Bacon:
- 150g beef bacon (cut into small strips or cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (since it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, and grated Parmesan until fully combined.
- Add freshly ground black pepper and stir well.
- Set the mixture aside at room temperature while you prepare the beef bacon.
Step 3: Crisp the Beef Bacon
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the beef bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the crispy beef bacon (off the heat).
- Toss quickly, then gradually add ½ cup of reserved pasta water to slightly cool the pasta.
- Slowly pour in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Top with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and more crispy beef bacon.
- Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Carbonara
✅ Use Room-Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can lead to an uneven sauce texture. ✅ Remove from Heat Before Adding the Sauce: Prevents the eggs from scrambling. ✅ Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It helps emulsify the sauce, creating that signature silky texture. ✅ Freshly Grate the Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Vegetarian Option: Swap beef bacon for sautéed mushrooms for a rich umami flavor. 🔹 Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and a plant-based egg substitute. 🔹 Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for some heat. 🔹 Extra Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Carbonara
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day (best eaten fresh).
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can scramble the eggs.
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy, rich, and indulgent pasta, this Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Beef Bacon is a must-try! It’s the perfect pork-free alternative while still delivering all the flavors of a classic carbonara. Give it a go, and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Beef Bacon
Description
A rich and creamy Spaghetti Carbonara made without pork! This version uses crispy beef bacon, freshly grated Parmesan, and a silky egg-based sauce for an indulgent yet easy Italian pasta dish. Perfect for those avoiding pork while still craving authentic flavors.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
For the Carbonara Sauce:
For the Beef Bacon:
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Cook the spaghetti 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Add freshly ground black pepper and mix well. Set aside at room temperature.
Cook the Beef Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the beef bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine Everything
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef bacon (off the heat). Toss quickly, then gradually add ½ cup of reserved pasta water to slightly cool the pasta. Slowly pour in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.
Serve & Garnish
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and more crispy beef bacon. Serve immediately!
Note
Beef bacon crisps up faster than pancetta, so watch closely while cooking.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
For a smoky flavor, use smoked beef bacon.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day (best eaten fresh).
