Italian Spaghetti(Makes 200 Plates)
A hearty Italian spaghetti dish featuring rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 lb. meat ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 No. 10 cans tomatoes (6 qt.) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 10 medium-sized cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 6 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- garlic buds ⓘ
- garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a large pot.
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in butter until tender.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and paprika to the sautéed vegetables.
- Simmer the sauce for 3 hours to develop flavor.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water with butter until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti well.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme during the last 30 minutes of simmering. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch. If you're looking to lighten the dish, swap in whole wheat spaghetti. The garlic can be adjusted to taste, and feel free to use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving with Italian recipes like Easy Eggplant Parmesan or a simple Caprese salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to maintain moisture, and heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Spaghetti(Makes 200 Plates) contains roughly 4910 calories, with 175g protein, 542g carbohydrates, and 238g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (378% of the Daily Value), protein (351% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (317% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead of time. Just let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before mixing with the cooked spaghetti. This method allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of meat?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms, which provide a hearty texture. Alternatively, try using plant-based meat substitutes that mimic the flavor and consistency of ground beef, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, ensure you use plenty of boiling salted water when cooking the spaghetti. Stir occasionally during cooking, and after draining, toss the spaghetti with a little olive oil or butter to keep it separate while you combine it with the sauce.
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).