Spaghetti(With Homemade Pastas Of Course!)
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh vegetables and homemade pasta. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, its robust flavors and comforting texture make it a satisfying meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. lean beef, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. safflower oil ⓘ
- 1 clove fresh garlic, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste or 6 medium size tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 or 3 onions, cubed approximately 1/2-inch ⓘ
- 1 large bunch celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cubed medium fine ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cubed medium fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- homemade pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, lightly brown the meat in safflower oil and sliced garlic over medium-low heat.
- Slowly add water and tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes). Add chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers. Simmer, covered, for 3 to 5 hours until the meat is very tender, checking often and adding water as needed to maintain about a quart of thin sauce.
- Add salt, black pepper, and homemade pasta to the sauce.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to 1/2 hour, stirring often until the broth is absorbed.
- Stir in minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beef or ground meat can be substituted for the bite-sized pieces. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to enhance the dish. Fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, can elevate the taste even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Aunt Lois' Lasagne or My Favorite Meat Ball Appetizer for a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti(With Homemade Pastas Of Course!) contains roughly 979 calories, with 51g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and potassium (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% 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 meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lean pork or turkey for the beef if you prefer. Each will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well in this hearty sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may cook at varying rates.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef with a mix of mushrooms and lentils or use a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. Adjust the cooking time and seasonings to ensure the vegetables are tender and flavorful. You can also enhance the sauce with more herbs and spices.
What kind of homemade pasta should I use?
You can use any type of homemade pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle. Just ensure it’s fresh and cut to your desired thickness. Cooking times may vary based on the pasta shape, so keep an eye on it as it simmers in 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).