Mom'S Spaghetti
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for a family dinner or comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of butter; drain.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the browned ground beef.
- Add spices: a pinch of pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Add tomato puree and simmer over low heat for one hour.
- Cook and drain spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Combine the meat sauce with the cooked spaghetti.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook until flavors meld, approximately 20 minutes.
- Let it rest for a day for enhanced flavor. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato puree. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the sauce's flavor; use them if available. For a homemade touch, try making Basic Pasta Dough instead of store-bought spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp garden salad pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the sauce. For an Italian flair, consider accompanying it with Italian Potatoes In Foil for a delightful side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Spaghetti contains roughly 660 calories, with 35g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 9g 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. While spaghetti is traditional, penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Mom's Spaghetti vegetarian, simply replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and used for other dishes like lasagna or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. It also freezes well for future meals; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
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).