Thin Spaghetti With Meat Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring a rich meat sauce with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups tomatoes, put through sieve to remove seeds ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in margarine until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, paprika, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes, then remove the bay leaf.
- Cook the thin spaghetti as directed on the package until al dente.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken works well and is a lighter alternative. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce; add them in the last few minutes of cooking. Don't forget to reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat sauce over the spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A side salad and garlic bread complement the meal beautifully. This dish also pairs well with a glass of red wine, making it perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. For a twist, try it with a side of Joe'S Lasagna(With Just A Touch Of Irish; Used At John'S River).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thin Spaghetti With Meat Sauce contains roughly 525 calories, with 15g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (168% of the Daily Value), iron (118% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1565mg per serving (68% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meat sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Cook the spaghetti fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
What can I substitute for tomatoes in the sauce?
If you're looking for a substitute for fresh tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes can work well. Alternatively, you can use tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother sauce. Just be mindful of the salt content in canned varieties and adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the texture and flavor. The sauce will still be delicious and satisfying without the meat.
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).