Fried Spaghetti
Fried Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring crispy fried spaghetti combined with savory ground meat and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil a 5-quart pan of water.
- Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until desired consistency, then drain.
- While spaghetti is cooking, cook ground meat and chopped onion in a large skillet until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and onion mixture.
- Add Ragu spaghetti sauce to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and fold to combine.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or bell peppers when cooking the ground meat and onion. If you're looking for a lighter option, swap ground meat for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic finish. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful appetizer, consider serving alongside Biondi'S Bruschetta to enhance the Italian theme.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent sticking and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Spaghetti contains roughly 704 calories, with 48g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with a meat substitute such as lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also explore various vegan recipes for a delicious alternative.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the sauce?
To boost the flavor profile, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce while it simmers. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice heat. Using a high-quality spaghetti sauce, like Spaghetti Sauce For Canning, can also make a significant difference.
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).