Haley'S Quick Spaghetti
A quick and hearty spaghetti dish featuring seasoned ground beef and tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, thyme, bay leaves, and dry parsley in a microwavable dish.
- Add the cooked meat mixture into the dish with the tomato mixture.
- Cook on 50% power in the microwave for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For quicker prep, consider using pre-chopped onions or frozen diced onions. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. To add more flavor, experiment with herbs like oregano or basil. If you enjoy zoodles, try serving the sauce over zucchini noodles instead of traditional spaghetti. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover spaghetti from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like a classic Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For extra color, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This dish maintains its flavor and texture well after freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Haley'S Quick Spaghetti contains roughly 495 calories, with 25g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1899mg per serving (83% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them down until they are saucy, which may take a bit longer than using canned tomatoes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Stirring in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese just before serving can add a creamy texture and rich flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the cheese melts nicely.
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).