Fusilli Lunghi with Meat Sauce

Servings: 4 to 6 » Preparation: 1 hr » Cooking: 2 hrs and 40 mins » Level: Easy
Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml)extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lard or butter
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups (200 g) diced pancetta (or bacon)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 lb (1 kg) ground (minced) beef
  • 2/3 cup (150 ml) dry white wine
  • 2/3 cup (150 ml) beef stock, boiling + more as needed
  • Leaves from 1 small bunch basil, torn
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb (500 g) fusilli lunghi
  • 6-8 tablespoons freshly grated aged Pecorino cheese

Procedure:
  1. Heat the oil and lard in a large saucepan over medium heat
  2. Add the onions, pancetta, bay leaf and beef
  3. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often
  4. Increase the heat and pour in the wine and stock
  5. Add the basil, parsley, salt , and pepper and bring to a boil
  6. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, for at least 2 hours, adding more stock if the sauce becomes too thick
  7. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente
  8. Drain and add to the sauce
  9. Toss well
  10. Sprinkle with Pecorino and serve hot