Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti and meat sauce dish featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The savory blend of herbs and mushrooms complements the pasta, creating a comforting meal that fans of classic Italian-American cuisine will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up and undrained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. fresh mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 lb. pkg. spaghetti, uncooked ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, chopped mushrooms, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaf to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Serve the hot sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
- Pass Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're looking for a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish as well. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a mix of chopped vegetables instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti and meat sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finish. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti And Meat Sauce contains roughly 382 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1408mg per serving (61% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove while cooking the spaghetti. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to evaporate some of the liquid. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken it.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding diced bell peppers, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Fresh basil or oregano can also enhance flavors, making your spaghetti and meat sauce even more delicious.
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).