Doris' Spaghetti
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish featuring savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic and onion, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion and garlic in fat.
- Push the onion and garlic to the side of the pan.
- Sear the ground chuck in the pan.
- Add tomato paste or tomato sauce to the meat.
- Pour in 3 to 4 cans of water to cover the meat.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until the meat is tender.
- After the meat is half cooked, add the spaghetti sauce mix.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. When browning the onions and garlic, use olive oil for added depth. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by varying the quantity of water based on your preference for thickness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Doris' Spaghetti with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor. A side of garlic bread and a simple salad, such as California Frijole Salad, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a glass of red wine and a light dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to preserve flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doris' Spaghetti contains roughly 2094 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 231g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 620mg per serving (27% 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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute American spaghetti with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I freeze the spaghetti and sauce?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove.
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).