Dad'S Special Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A hearty spaghetti with savory meat sauce, rich in tomato, mushroom, and Italian herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. lean ground beef or chuck ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, mashed and chopped or 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 large can mushroom slices (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. thin spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned.
- Drain off all fat.
- Put all ingredients, except spaghetti noodles, into a crock-pot and let simmer all day or on the stove for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of lean ground beef and pork. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped onions or frozen garlic cubes. Feel free to substitute with canned diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor. For a lighter option, try using zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti for a twist on this classic dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dad's Special Spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color. A side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad pairs beautifully with this dish for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside Joe'S Lasagna or Bow Tie Italian Casserole for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Special Spaghetti With Meat Sauce contains roughly 560 calories, with 20g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will produce a lighter sauce, but you can enhance the flavor by adding extra seasonings or using a bit of olive oil to compensate for the lower fat content. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly until browned.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces for added flavor. The other ingredients can remain the same, ensuring a hearty and delicious meat-free meal.
What type of tomatoes should I use for the sauce?
For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes if available. Diced tomatoes work well for a chunkier sauce, while crushed tomatoes can create a smoother texture. Experiment with different varieties to find your preferred taste profile.
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).