Simple Spaghetti with Meat
This classic spaghetti with meat sauce is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week. With just a few pantry staples and ground beef, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dinner on the table in no time!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Salt the Water: For the best-tasting pasta, salt the boiling water generously before adding the noodles.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding the meat to infuse your sauce with extra flavor.
- Simmer for Depth: Let the meat sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes to deepen its flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Lean or extra lean works best.
- ½ Medium Yellow Onion: Diced for a flavorful base.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Or substitute with 2 cloves fresh minced garlic.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- ¼ tsp Salt: To taste.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper: To taste.
- 2 Cans Pasta Sauce (24 oz each): Choose your favorite brand or make your own.
- 1 lb Spaghetti Noodles: Cooked al dente.
Optional Add-Ins
- Red Wine: A couple of tablespoons to enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for garnish.
- Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a dollop of ricotta.
- Vegetables: Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain and Simmer
- Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the pasta sauce, cover, and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Serve
- Plate the cooked spaghetti noodles and ladle the meat sauce over the top. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or sausage for a flavor twist.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a creamy texture.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well with this recipe.
How do I make the sauce less acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The meat sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze for convenience.
Pairing Suggestions
This simple spaghetti with meat sauce is a timeless classic that brings comfort to any table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Simple Spaghetti with Meat
This flavorful spaghetti is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients like ground beef, onion, pasta sauce, noodles, and seasoning. This is the recipe that I have been serving to my family for our twice monthly spaghetti nights for decades.
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 cans pasta sauce 24oz cans
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Peel and dice the onion.
- Add ground beef to a large skillet, then add the onions, and seasonings.
- Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
- Once the meat is browned, drain the grease.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and stir it in.
- Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add water to a large dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat. Add noodles, and cook according to the package directions.
- Strain the water from the noodles, then return to the pot.
- Serve meat sauce over the noodles.
Nutrition
Calories: 802kcalCarbohydrates: 106gProtein: 39gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1841mgPotassium: 1615mgFiber: 10gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 1494IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 7mg
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
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