Our Family Spaghetti(Student Favorite)
Hearty spaghetti topped with a savory beef tomato sauce, bursting with garlic, herbs, and a hint of Worcestershire—perfect for family dinners and student gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb lean hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz. each) cans whole peeled tomatoes (1 can drained) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp fennel ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sweet basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions in olive oil until translucent.
- Add meat and garlic and cook until browned.
- Drain off excess grease.
- Add tomato paste, drained whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, Worcestershire, pepper, oregano, fennel, sugar, and sweet basil.
- Stir and mash tomatoes until mixed.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add remaining garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on low heat for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while simmering. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can enhance the taste, but dried herbs work well too. If you're short on time, using jarred pasta sauce can be a good alternative, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully, making for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it with a side of Boy'S Twice Baked Potatoes for a unique dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Family Spaghetti(Student Favorite) contains roughly 116 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g 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! This sauce can be made a day in advance. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it slowly before serving, and it will taste even better.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than desired, simply add a little water or broth while stirring until you reach your preferred consistency. This will help loosen it without compromising the flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this spaghetti sauce, simply replace the hamburger meat with lentils or diced mushrooms. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
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).