Cheryl'S Spaghetti
Cheryl's Spaghetti offers a hearty, flavorful meat sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a deep pan until browned.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain excess grease from the beef.
- Add chopped whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pan.
- Stir in oregano, minced onion, mushrooms, sugar, and garlic salt.
- Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, making sure it doesn't burn on the bottom.
- Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef. For a vegetarian option, try adding lentils or chopped vegetables instead. This sauce is versatile and can also be used in recipes like Quick Italian Soup or Rigatoni And Meat Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This sauce would also work well with dishes like Spaghetti With Meatballs for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheryl'S Spaghetti contains roughly 648 calories, with 20g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (227% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before chopping, and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tomatoes may take longer to break down into sauce.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein, which can mimic the texture of meat while absorbing the sauce's flavors.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your sauce, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also experiment with spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef, which will give the sauce a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
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).