Jan Metcalf'S Italian Spaghetti
A hearty Italian spaghetti dish featuring a rich, savory meat sauce with mushrooms and peppers, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 envelopes Italian Style spaghetti mix with mushrooms (1 1/2 oz. each) ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and pepper until the meat is brown and the onion is tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, spaghetti mix with mushrooms, water, sugar, garlic, and bay leaf.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Place the sauce in a covered container and refrigerate overnight, if desired.
- Cook spaghetti as directed on the package.
- Reheat the sauce before serving and add mushrooms if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a meatier sauce, you can substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor further. Feel free to adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes. For a twist, add sautéed mushrooms directly into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful touch. For a cozy night, pair it with a glass of red wine. Additionally, it goes perfectly with a side of E Z Lasagna for those who want to mix up their Italian offerings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out, then heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jan Metcalf'S Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 696 calories, with 31g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, using Italian sausage can add a nice flavor profile. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the meat.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Use vegetable broth instead of water and ensure your tomato products are free of animal products to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
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).