Meat Sauce And Spaghetti
A hearty meat sauce with rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings over spaghetti and bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet; drain off excess fat.
- Mix the browned hamburger with all remaining ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture until it reaches your desired thickness, about one hour.
- Serve the meat sauce over cooked spaghetti with hot rolls or Texas Toast, accompanied by a green salad or fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can make a good substitute. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, and feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition. For an American recipes twist, serve with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat sauce generously over freshly cooked spaghetti, and top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. This dish pairs well with a side of green salad or fruit for a refreshing contrast. For a comforting meal, consider serving it with hot rolls or buttery Texas Toast, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Sauce And Spaghetti contains roughly 295 calories, with 14g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% 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 ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so you might want to adjust the spices to enhance the taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to add texture and flavor to the sauce.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Canned tomatoes work well for this recipe, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. If using fresh, about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes should suffice. For convenience, crushed tomatoes provide a smooth texture, while diced tomatoes add more chunkiness.
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).