Sonia'S Italian Spaghetti
Sonia's Italian Spaghetti features a rich, spiced meat sauce with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, perfect for a hearty family dinner or comforting gathering.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 29 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 12 oz. can tomato paste
- 1.5 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 0.25 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 0.125 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp. dried mustard ⓘ
- 0.25 tsp. minced garlic
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with minced onion in a large skillet or pot.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste, then mix well and bring to a boil.
- Add all spices and simmer the sauce for at least 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you like a bit of heat, increase the red pepper. Remember, letting the sauce simmer longer allows the spices to meld beautifully, enhancing its richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. For a twist, top with sautéed vegetables or serve alongside Italian recipes like Italian Pasta Shell Casserole for variety. Don't forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. For spaghetti, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sonia'S Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 203 calories, with 10g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2099mg per serving (91% 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 make this spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat it gently before serving. You could also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months for a quick weeknight dinner option.
What can I use if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Alternatively, you can reduce some tomato sauce on the stove until it thickens to achieve a similar consistency. This will still give you a rich flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor. Adjust the seasonings to balance out the flavors in your sauce for a delightful meat-free meal.
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).