Tasty Spaghetti
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring rich tomato sauce with pork, seasoned with herbs, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart pan, brown the pork very well.
- Drain the fat from the pan.
- Add olive oil to the pan and brown the garlic and onion.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add the tomato puree and ground tomatoes to the pan.
- Let the sauce cook for 1 hour.
- Add the tomato paste to the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add water as needed.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 2 hours.
- Add oregano, sweet basil, garlic powder, and bay leaf to the sauce.
- Cover the pan and cook while boiling the spaghetti.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and serve on a plate.
- Add Romano cheese to taste and pour the sauce over the spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of pork sausage and ribs. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey can be a great substitute for pork. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so try using fresh basil instead of dried. If short on time, use jarred marinara sauce, but be sure to enhance it with additional spices for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti topped with a generous amount of Romano cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Mamma Mia Spaghetti Pie for a fun variation on classic Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen it up. The spaghetti can be reheated in the microwave or by briefly boiling in water until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Spaghetti contains roughly 1414 calories, with 54g protein, 316g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (454% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 127g 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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for al dente results.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the pork and use plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for added texture. You can enhance the sauce's richness with extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options.
Can I freeze the spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the spaghetti 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. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove for the best 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).