Betty'S Spaghetti
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish with savory meat sauce, fresh herbs, and a touch of heat, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1/2 lb spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste or tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- dash hot sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- bell pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped bell pepper in olive oil until soft and translucent.
- Season ground meat with salt, then add to the skillet and brown lightly.
- Add tomato soup, tomato paste or sauce, chopped parsley, chili powder, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, hot sauce, and salt to the meat mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Serve the meat sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried. If you're short on time, you can substitute the tomato soup with a jar of your favorite marinara sauce, such as Mamma Condon'S Twenty Minute Pasta Sauce. If you want a spicier kick, adjust the chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served immediately, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, try topping the spaghetti with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil. You can also explore other Italian recipes that complement this dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Spaghetti contains roughly 304 calories, with 15g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (294% of the Daily Value), iron (155% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2002mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option for a vegan dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many options available made from rice, quinoa, or lentils that work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper or more hot sauce to suit your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).