Julie'S Favorite Spaghetti
Julie'S Favorite Spaghetti offers a hearty, flavorful tomato-based meat sauce with a touch of sweetness and spice, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef, onion, and green pepper.
- Pour off excess grease.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, black pepper, sugar, and chili powder.
- Cook the mixture for about 2 hours to develop flavors.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain off the water and add the sauce to the cooked spaghetti.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work well. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preferences; if you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the sugar slightly. For a spicier kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, and pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Stuffed Super Shells or a classic Caesar salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Favorite Spaghetti contains roughly 992 calories, with 27g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1183mg per serving (51% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. For this recipe, you'll need about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water, peel, and chop before adding to the sauce. This will give your dish a fresher taste, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this spaghetti, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the lentils are tender and the flavors meld well.
What type of spaghetti should I use?
Any type of spaghetti works well in this recipe, but traditional durum wheat spaghetti is recommended for its texture. You can also explore whole grain or gluten-free options if preferred. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions for the best results.
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).