Mel'S Spaghetti
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish with lean ground turkey, savory tomato sauce, mushrooms, and Italian herbs, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
- nonstick spray coating ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans low sodium tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) jars sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (6 oz.) can Italian tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. fennel seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 12 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart saucepan with nonstick coating.
- Add ground turkey or chicken, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to the pan.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess liquid from the pan.
- Stir in tomato sauce, drained mushrooms, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, sugar, garlic salt, black pepper, and red pepper if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken with lean beef or a plant-based alternative for a different twist. If you enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mel's Spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements this dish perfectly. For a delightful pairing, consider enjoying it with a glass of Chianti or a refreshing iced tea. This comforting meal is also great for meal prep or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the spaghetti in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mel'S Spaghetti contains roughly 531 calories, with 54g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), protein (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 16g 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 make this spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight. Simply reheat it on the stovetop while you cook the spaghetti when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Mel's Spaghetti vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey or chicken with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the dish's nutritional value while keeping it delicious.
Is it possible to freeze this spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
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).