Joe'S Italian Spaghetti
Joe's Italian Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground meats, rich tomato flavors, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground pork ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry onions, garlic, and green pepper in olive oil until onions are lightly browned.
- Add ground beef and ground pork, brown slightly, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano while sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground meat can be used instead of raw. You can also substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of red pepper or chili powder according to your preference. This dish is reminiscent of classic Italian recipes, making it a satisfying family meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad makes for a well-rounded meal. This spaghetti pairs beautifully with Rhonda'S Lasagna if you're looking to create a more elaborate Italian feast. For an authentic touch, consider offering crushed red pepper flakes and fresh herbs on the side for guests to customize their plates.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joe'S Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 2635 calories, with 47g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 231g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% 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 use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. The key is to maintain the same total weight of meat to ensure the sauce has the right consistency.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the spaghetti gluten-free, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. There are many options available made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking durations.
What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have condensed tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, and a bit of water to achieve a similar consistency.
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).