Spaghetti A La Buchanan

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: Italian

A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • 1 jar Ragu spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • meat tenderizer
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped

Instructions

  1. Fry the chopped green pepper and onion in lard until tender.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Mix in the spaghetti sauce and bring to a boil.
  4. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic or Italian herbs like basil and oregano in your sauce. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef for a leaner option. Make sure to let the sauce simmer for longer for deeper flavors. Pairing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving enhances the dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Spaghetti A La Buchanan with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors nicely. You can also experiment with toppings like fresh parsley or crushed red pepper for an extra kick. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Homemade Minestrone Soup for a comforting dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or heat gently on the stove. Adding a splash of water can help restore moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce separately from the spaghetti for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti A La Buchanan contains roughly 1088 calories, with 20g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1827mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

1088 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.8g 40% DV
Total Fat 110.5g 100% DV
Carbs 1.9g 1% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1827.3mg 79% DV
Potassium 358.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 163.8mg 55% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 22.1mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 12% DV
Calcium 24.8mg 2% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly

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 a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly as different pastas may require varying boiling times.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and substitute it with a plant-based meat alternative or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also use lentils for a hearty texture that will keep you satisfied.

What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?

You can enhance the sauce by adding ingredients like red wine, a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, or even some diced tomatoes for added texture. Fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, can also elevate the dish significantly.

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).

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