Dad'S Delicious Spaghetti

Prep: 30 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring tender ribs, savory sausage, and seasoned hamburger simmered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this comforting meal offers a combination of smoky, meaty flavors with a satisfying sauce that improves with time.

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Ingredients

  • 4 country style pork ribs
  • 1 package Italian sausage
  • 3 lb hamburger
  • 1 onion
  • 3 jars Ragu spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  1. Slowly cook the pork ribs in a frying pan until well done.
  2. Cook the Italian sausage in the same frying pan until fully cooked.
  3. Make meatballs out of the hamburger and fry until done.
  4. Mix the cooked ribs, sausage, and meatballs in a large pot with the spaghetti sauce.
  5. Simmer on low heat for 3 hours.
  6. Serve hot, and enjoy the flavors, which are even better the next day or as lasagna.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you prefer a leaner option. If you want a bit more spice, try using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Fettuccine Casserole or Easy Method Lasagna. For a delightful twist, try layering the leftovers into a lasagna for a rich, satisfying dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dad'S Delicious Spaghetti contains roughly 1137 calories, with 80g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (160% of the Daily Value), potassium (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1997mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).

1137 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 80.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 47.5g 61% DV
Carbs 97.6g 35% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1996.9mg 87% DV
Potassium 2967.7mg 63% DV
Cholesterol 164mg 55% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.9mcg
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 211.4mg 16% DV
Iron 7.8mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-protein

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 different types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the pork ribs or Italian sausage with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Ground beef can be replaced with ground lamb or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this spaghetti dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the Ragu spaghetti sauce is labeled gluten-free. You can also serve the meat mixture over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative that still delivers great flavor.

What can I do with leftover spaghetti sauce?

Leftover spaghetti sauce can be used in several ways! Use it as a base for soups, or mix it with cooked rice or quinoa for a quick meal. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes for a hearty side dish.

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).

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