Quick Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
A quick and hearty spaghetti dish with savory meat sauce, colorful vegetables, and rich tomato flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean ground beef in shortening in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green peppers to the skillet.
- Break the uncooked spaghetti into 3-inch pieces and scatter over the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and basil to the tomatoes and pour over the spaghetti.
- Press the spaghetti into the liquid as much as possible.
- Cover and cook for about 35 to 40 minutes until the spaghetti is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. If you don't have shortening, olive oil works as a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer whole grain, swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat. Adjust the vegetable quantities based on your preference for a more vibrant dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti and meat sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. A side salad or garlic bread complements the dish perfectly. This recipe pairs beautifully with Eggplant Parmesan With Meat Sauce for a complete Italian meal. Consider a light red wine to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Spaghetti And Meat Sauce contains roughly 1289 calories, with 44g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), protein (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 757mg per serving (33% 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the pasta is tender but not overcooked. Shorter pastas will absorb the sauce well, creating a flavorful dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the texture and flavor. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian, or replace it with soy sauce.
What can I do if I find the sauce too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer briefly to incorporate the added liquid. This will help maintain the flavor while ensuring the spaghetti cooks evenly.
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).