Spaghetti Dinner

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A hearty spaghetti dinner featuring savory ground beef, chopped vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family meals and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 pint tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup spaghetti, broken
  • 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Place fat (if needed) in frying pan.
  2. Brown ground beef, onion, and green pepper.
  3. Drain in colander; run hot water over mixture to remove all fat.
  4. Return mixture to skillet.
  5. Add remaining ingredients and cover.
  6. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
  7. Turn off heat and let stand for at least 15 minutes.
  8. Do not remove cover while cooking on stored heat.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition. The green pepper is optional but adds a nice crunch and flavor—feel free to omit or substitute with zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spaghetti dinner with a side salad and garlic bread for a satisfying meal. For an Italian twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with classic Italian recipes, enhancing your dining experience. Consider a light red wine, like Chianti, to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the spaghetti mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. For reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti Dinner contains roughly 618 calories, with 29g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

618 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.5g 57% DV
Total Fat 16.3g 21% DV
Carbs 115.5g 42% DV
Fiber 35.8g 100% DV
Sugar 16.5g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 640.5mg 28% DV
Potassium 3062.6mg 65% DV
Cholesterol 42.6mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 143.3mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 94.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 529.2mg 41% DV
Iron 15.3mg 85% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils or mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

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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