Ingredients
1 large spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
Salt and ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for topping, if desired
1/4 pound thickly sliced pancetta, chopped
1-1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1 carrot, peeled and cut into small dice or shredded
1 medium onion, cut into small dice
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup beef stock
1/2 cup fresh basil (about a handful), chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley (about a handful), chopped
Preparation
Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF. Place the spaghetti squash halves, cut-side up, onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of EVOO, salt and pepper. Turn the squash over so they're cut-side down and roast until the flesh is tender, about 45 minutes to an hour. Once cooked, use a fork to loosen the squash strands up. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons EVOO, ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of cheese. Reserve squash in the shells. While the squash is roasting, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with two turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add the sirloin to the pan and cook until golden brown, 6-7 minutes. Add the carrots, onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Season everything with salt and pepper, then add the tomato paste, cooking it until golden brown and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the red wine and beef stock, scraping the bottom for any bits that may be stuck, and cook the sauce until thickened and slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. To serve, ladle the meat sauce on top of each squash half and garnish each with fresh basil, parsley and additional Pecorino Romano cheese.
