Vegetable-Beef Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty vegetable-beef spaghetti sauce rich in savory flavors and fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, and colorful veggies simmered in a tomato-based sauce, served over spaghetti for a comforting and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook ground beef, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, basil, and oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the sauce with cooked spaghetti and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking the beef and vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish's flavor profile. Also, try mixing in some spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sauce pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. For a twist, serve it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or enjoy it alongside Italian recipes like the Italian Meat Pie for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vegetable-beef spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable-Beef Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 1304 calories, with 61g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (207% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg per serving (26% 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 canned vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned vegetables for fresh ones, but be mindful of the sodium content. Rinse canned vegetables to reduce salt. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, so adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is heated through.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground beef for a more intense flavor, which can complement this dish's heartiness.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days, or frozen for later use. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and serve with freshly cooked spaghetti.
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).