Quick And Easy Spaghetti
A quick and satisfying spaghetti dish with hearty ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, and stewed tomatoes in a saucepan.
- Heat on medium and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer.
- Add oregano, garlic powder, parsley, and bay leaf to the sauce.
- Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the sauce.
- Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.
- For less spicy flavor, reduce the amount of spices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the lean ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you want to speed up the cooking time, use pre-cooked meat or incorporate leftovers from your Double Duty Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with a glass of red wine, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. For more delicious pasta ideas, browse more Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium 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 in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Spaghetti contains roughly 19 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped, will work well. Just ensure to cook them down until they break apart to create a sauce-like consistency. This adds a fresh flavor to your dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an added kick. Adjust the spices to your preference for the desired level of spiciness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before serving. If you're planning to freeze it, do so without the spaghetti noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed.
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).