Ingredients

  • 6 ounces, weight Thick Cut Bacon, Diced
  • 1 whole Yellow Onion, Chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 can (28 Oz. Size) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 cups Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
  • 13 cups Plain Bread Crumbs
  • 2 whole Eggs
  • 1/2 whole Yellow Onion, Minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 8 ounces, weight Ground Beef
  • 8 ounces, weight Ground Veal
  • 2 ounces, weight Smoked Mozzarella Cheese, Cut Into 16 Pieces
  • 1 pound Bucatini Pasta
  • For Garnish: Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

Method

  • For the sauce: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook for about 6 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.
  • Add the onion to the pan with the bacon grease and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
  • Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the reserved bacon and keep the sauce warm over a low heat.
  • For the meatballs: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stir together the Parmesan cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
  • Add the beef and veal and mix together with your hands until just combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
  • Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside.
  • Reform each meatball so that the cheese is completely covered with the meat mixture.
  • Place the meatballs on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, until cooked through.
  • To serve: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or according to your package instructions for al dente.
  • Drain the pasta then add the pasta into the pan with the tomato sauce.
  • Add the meatballs and gently toss to combine.
  • Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over the top and serve.
  • Adapted from Giada de Laurentiis.