Meaty Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce with ground meat and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and those craving a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean ground meat in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, water, garlic salt, sugar, chili powder, oregano, basil, and salt to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over hot, cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. You can also add diced onions and bell peppers for extra texture. If you want a bit of spice, increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, substitute the lean ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. This sauce pairs beautifully with Easy Pasta Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meaty spaghetti sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for added flavor. This dish goes well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a refreshing twist, consider pairing it with Cold Linguini Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 12 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing, and reheat gently before serving.
What type of meat works best for this recipe?
Lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken are excellent choices for this sauce. They all provide a great texture and flavor. For a healthier option, you can also use ground turkey or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the sauce. Just sauté them along with the ground meat before adding the other ingredients 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).