Spaghetti Italiano
A hearty Italian spaghetti dish featuring savory meat sauce, rich tomato flavors, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until tender and then drain excess fat.
- Add sliced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, mushroom stems, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the spaghetti and toss with butter.
- Serve the spaghetti topped with the meat sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier sauce, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onions and peppers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meat, or use lentils for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer. This dish is great for meal prep and can be easily scaled up for larger crowds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with the meat sauce hot and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For an Italian twist, consider serving alongside Aunt Connie'S Italian Cream Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the meat sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. The spaghetti can be reheated separately in boiling water or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Italiano contains roughly 328 calories, with 16g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 328 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats for different flavors. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or a meat alternative for a delicious twist.
How can I make this sauce more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley towards the end of cooking. You can also incorporate a splash of red wine or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Can I freeze the meat sauce?
Yes, the meat sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight 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).