Spaghetti Chili Sauce
A hearty spaghetti chili sauce combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and those craving bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the hamburger, green pepper, onion, garlic, and celery in a quart of water.
- Cook slowly for 3 hours.
- Add the tomato sauce to the mixture.
- Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger before adding the vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes in place of tomato sauce for added texture. Enhance the spice level by adding chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce can also be used in other American recipes, such as a base for tacos or chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti chili sauce over al dente spaghetti for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. This sauce also pairs beautifully with Quick Golden Stew for a varied meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the spaghetti chili sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Chili Sauce contains roughly 393 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of water will enhance the flavor. Just ensure that the cooking time allows the lentils to soften properly, usually around 30-40 minutes.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding spices such as cumin or oregano to deepen the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the dish. For a heartier sauce, diced carrots or mushrooms can be sautéed with the other vegetables before simmering.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you find the sauce too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for additional time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mixing in a tablespoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking can help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).