Spaghetti-N-Meat
Spaghetti-N-Meat offers a hearty blend of ground chuck, bell peppers, and aromatic vegetables in a savory tomato sauce, topped with shredded cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, combining rich flavors with satisfying pasta to delight fans of classic Italian-American cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add bell pepper, onion, celery, and ground chuck.
- Cook slowly until the meat is done and vegetables are tender.
- Mix in spaghetti mix, Ragu sauce, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, boil spaghetti in water.
- Rinse the cooked spaghetti with cold water.
- Add the rinsed spaghetti to the meat sauce.
- Cook together for another 10 minutes.
- Cover with shredded cheese.
- Put a lid on the pot and turn off the heat.
- Serve hot with salad, coleslaw, and garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating garlic or Italian herbs like oregano and basil into the meat mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute zucchini for some of the spaghetti for a lower-carb meal. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot and pair it with a fresh side salad, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Italian Cheese Sticks for a fun appetizer. For a more filling dining experience, consider serving with a side of New Potato Dish for extra comfort.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti-N-Meat contains roughly 30 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great options for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground chuck and replace it with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute. You can also enhance the flavors with extra vegetables such as spinach or zucchini.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of water, broth, or extra tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired 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).