Vermicelli With Herb Meat Sauce
Vermicelli with herb meat sauce offers a hearty, flavorful meal combining tender pasta and savory beef in a fragrant tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're out of dried herbs, fresh basil and oregano can be used instead, but adjust the quantity as they are more potent. Cooking the vermicelli until just al dente will ensure it holds up well against the hearty sauce, making it a great base for this Beef Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vermicelli topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This recipe also works great as a filling for Italian Beef Roll-Up, making it versatile for different dining experiences.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the vermicelli and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermicelli With Herb Meat Sauce contains roughly 824 calories, with 35g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and calcium (146% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 59g 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the meat's fat content, but the overall flavor profile will remain delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. You'll want to sauté them until browned before adding the tomatoes and seasonings to create a rich sauce.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored separately and used for various dishes. It can be used in Italian recipes like Meaty Lasagna or served over baked potatoes for a quick meal. It also freezes well for future use, just ensure it's cooled before freezing.
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).