Herbed Spaghetti
Herbed spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful meat sauce featuring ground beef, pork sausage, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines savory flavors with aromatic herbs, served over spaghetti for a satisfying, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. hot bulk pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a Dutch oven; cook until meat is browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Drain off drippings.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, sliced mushrooms, chopped parsley, brown sugar, dried oregano, ground thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and simmer an additional hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf, spoon the sauce over cooked spaghetti before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef or pork sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the flavor; just increase the quantity slightly. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt as needed. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish is versatile and can be paired with other Italian recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Herbed Spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A side salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this dish. Garlic bread is also a classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Mrs. Lombardi'S Meatballs on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Herbed Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Spaghetti contains roughly 708 calories, with 18g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (207% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Herbed Spaghetti vegetarian, replace the ground beef and sausage with a combination of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add lentils or beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Can I freeze the sauce for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove before serving over spaghetti.
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).