Real Italian Spaghetti
A hearty Italian spaghetti dish featuring savory meat sauce, aromatic spices, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 7 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 7 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and ground pork in a skillet.
- Drain the meat by placing on paper towels and soaking up excess grease.
- Mix the tomato sauce and tomato paste together.
- Add the spices, chopped onion, and chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 55 minutes.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Fresh herbs like basil can enhance the dish, but dried herbs work well too. Ensure to cook the spaghetti al dente for the best texture, allowing it to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Real Italian Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Rich Tomato Beef Sauce Served Over Pasta for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. If freezing, separate the sauce and spaghetti before storing for optimal texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 1185 calories, with 65g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (285% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a unique twist, try using Italian sausage for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy marinara sauce on the side.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Canned San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their rich flavor, but any good quality canned tomatoes will work. You can also use fresh tomatoes when in season; just blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the sauce.
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).