Spaghetti With Meat And Tomato Sauce
A hearty Italian classic featuring tender spaghetti topped with a rich, savory meat and tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 small celery stalk, chopped fine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 lb. cans tomatoes, chopped with their juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil or 1 tsp. crumbled dry basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti or vermicelli ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion, peeled and chopped carrot, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the saucepan.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft, approximately 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the meat. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can also enhance the dish. For a twist, try adding some crushed red pepper for heat or mix in vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional basil. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For something different, try it as a base for a Spaghetti-Pizza Casserole. A glass of red wine also complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Meat And Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1743 calories, with 70g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (218% of the Daily Value), protein (139% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 21g 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are perfect for this sauce and will save you time. Just make sure to choose high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, diced canned tomatoes work well, while crushed tomatoes will create a smoother sauce.
How can I make the sauce less acidic?
To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar while the sauce is simmering. You can also incorporate a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end for a richer flavor that helps mellow the acidity.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
Thin spaghetti or vermicelli are excellent choices, as they allow the sauce to cling well. However, if you prefer a different shape, any pasta that holds sauce, like penne or fusilli, will work just fine, providing a delightful texture.
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).