Walk Around The Kitchen Spaghetti Or Everything But The Kitchen
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce loaded with meats, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy robust Italian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground round (at least 85% lean) ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage (hot or mild) ⓘ
- 2 large onions, minced ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 large green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 large sweet red pepper, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 2 large (2 lb.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large (1 lb.) can tomato paste
- 1 large (2 lb.) can Italian plum tomatoes
- 2 large (1 1/2 to 2 lb.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cans marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters or eighths ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 cup full-bodied red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef until no red remains; drain off all fat and transfer to a large Dutch oven.
- Add the ground pork to the same pan, browning until thoroughly cooked, then drain all fat.
- Add the cooked pork to the ground beef in the Dutch oven.
- Add the bulk Italian sausage to the same pan, browning thoroughly and breaking up large pieces.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked sausage and add it to the Dutch oven with the meats.
- Add minced onions to the sausage drippings and sauté until transparent.
- Add garlic and continue sautéing, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions and garlic to the Dutch oven.
- Add diced celery and sauté until just wilted.
- Add the diced green and red peppers and cook for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the entire contents of the pan into the Dutch oven, including drippings, and stir well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the flavor profile. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful finishing touch. Pair it with a glass of full-bodied red wine to enhance the flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to keep it moist. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walk Around The Kitchen Spaghetti Or Everything But The Kitchen contains roughly 628 calories, with 53g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (150% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by using different meats such as ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the meats with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You can also use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes to add protein while keeping the dish satisfying.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti is a great choice, this sauce also works wonderfully with other pastas like penne or rigatoni. For a unique twist, try serving it over Calizza for a delightful variation on the classic spaghetti experience.
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).