Holiday Spaghetti
A hearty holiday spaghetti dish featuring savory ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook minced onion in 3 tablespoons of oil until yellow.
- Add minced green pepper and sliced mushrooms; sauté until tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in salt, sugar, and cooked tomatoes or canned tomato sauce.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or macaroni.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of regular oil and adding garlic when sautéing the vegetables. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use those instead of canned. For extra depth, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil, similar to Mema'S Favorite 6 Cheese Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish. It pairs beautifully with Best Ever Spicy Spaghetti for a pasta night, or try it alongside Italian recipes featuring rich sauces and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through, ensuring even warmth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Spaghetti contains roughly 524 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2202mg per serving (96% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cook the spaghetti or macaroni fresh before serving to avoid sogginess. This makes it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings!
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Cooked pasta can also be frozen, but it's best to store them separately to maintain texture.
What can I add to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute such as tempeh or tofu. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the dish, similar to Spinach Meat Balls for added nutrition.
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).