Italian Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A hearty Italian spaghetti with savory meat sauce, bursting with rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper on low heat.
- Drain the cooked meat mixture.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian sauce mix, water, sugar, oregano, and minced garlic to the meat.
- Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Serve the spaghetti topped with the meat sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef until it develops a nice crust. If you're out of tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes. To save time, use pre-minced garlic or a garlic powder equivalent. For a lighter version, swap half the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. This dish is also great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with the meat sauce, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a twist, try it as a filling for an Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole. A glass of red wine can complement the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the meat sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid drying out. You can also microwave it in a safe dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Spaghetti With Meat Sauce contains roughly 852 calories, with 26g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (248% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% 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 turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to create a lighter version of the dish. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary slightly, as lean meats tend to cook faster. Ensure they are seasoned well to maintain flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just cook the spaghetti fresh when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also freeze the sauce for later use.
What can I use instead of Italian sauce mix?
If you don't have Italian sauce mix, you can create your own blend using dried herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary. A combination of oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes can also add great flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
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).