Spaghetti For Fifty People
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish perfect for large gatherings, combining savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta for satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
- 10 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- 4 packages chopped frozen onions (12 oz each) ⓘ
- 4 medium bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans dried sweet pepper flakes (or 2 cans bell peppers if preferred) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 gallon tomatoes
- 1 quart tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 1/2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped bell peppers in a large pot until the meat is fully cooked.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, sugar, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 1 1/2 hours, or longer for more flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and combine with the sauce, or serve the sauce over the drained spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or using fresh chili peppers instead. Pairing this dish with garlic bread or a fresh green salad can enhance the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Italian Meatballs With Herb Sauce as a delicious side option. Leftovers can also be repurposed into a baked dish like Lori'S Baked Spaghetti for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the spaghetti and sauce in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti For Fifty People contains roughly 142 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 spaghetti sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stove while cooking the spaghetti. This will save time on the day of your gathering.
What type of spaghetti works best for this recipe?
Standard spaghetti pasta works well, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free options if preferred. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the sauce.
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).