Ground Beef And Spaghetti
A hearty, family-friendly spaghetti dish with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and chopped bell pepper in a skillet.
- Add salt, black pepper, canned tomatoes or tomato juice, and cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. For a healthier option, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you're out of bell pepper, zucchini or mushrooms can be great substitutes. For a twist, try adding some grated cheese on top before serving, which pairs beautifully with this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ground Beef and Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. This dish also pairs well with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner. For more hearty options, consider serving alongside American recipes like Meat Loaf Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ground Beef and Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef And Spaghetti contains roughly 314 calories, with 19g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1883mg per serving (82% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or carrots, to enhance the dish's texture and flavor while keeping it filling and nutritious.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or tomato juice based on your preference. Each option will give the dish a slightly different texture. If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them as well; just chop them and cook them down for a rich sauce.
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).