Homemade Italian Spaghetti
A hearty and flavorful Italian-style spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, pork sausage, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 2 large onions, diced
- 1 sweet green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup hickory smoke barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef, sausage, and diced onions together in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Drain all fat from the mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef or a mix of turkey and beef can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or plant-based crumbles. Enhance the dish with fresh basil or parsley right before serving for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top enhances the presentation and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mozzarella Spaghetti, making it a great option for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the sauce from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw and reheat as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 737 calories, with 34g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (267% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked properly.
What can I do if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use balsamic vinegar or even a splash of hot sauce for some extra flavor. Just adjust to taste.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce excess liquid. Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can also help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
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).