Spaghetti And Ground Beef
A hearty and comforting spaghetti dish with savory ground beef and a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it combines tender pasta with a rich, seasoned meat mixture. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it pairs well with green beans, potatoes, and bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into a skillet; add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add bonnet margarine and stir until melted.
- Add tomato sauce or paste and salt and pepper; stir to combine.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to box instructions.
- Rinse cooked spaghetti under cold water to separate strands and place in a large bowl.
- Pour the ground beef mixture over the spaghetti and mix well.
- Serve hot, yielding 4 to 6 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the ground beef mixture. If you're out of bonnet margarine, unsalted butter or olive oil can be good substitutes. For a healthier twist, use whole grain spaghetti. If you prefer a richer sauce, try adding a splash of red wine or a few tablespoons of Cajun Italian Spaghetti Sauce Mix(My Own Special Recipe; Um - Good).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor. A side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this spaghetti and ground beef dish, providing a nice contrast to the hearty main course. For a complete meal, consider serving with Italian recipes like a simple caprese salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And Ground Beef contains roughly 465 calories, with 23g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 546mg per serving (24% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the ground beef mixture. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra spice.
Can I freeze spaghetti and ground beef?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).