Introduction
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. This hearty dish features tender spaghetti noodles topped with a rich and flavorful meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love making Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Firstly, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and seasonings. Secondly, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners. Lastly, the combination of tender pasta and savory meat sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g) spaghetti noodles.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) ground beef.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish.
Equipment Used
- Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles.
- Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and preparing the meat sauce.
- Mixing Spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Serving Utensils: For serving the spaghetti and meat sauce.
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce until well coated. Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Nutritional Information
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes helps to develop the flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley
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Spaghetti with Meat Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti noodles.
- Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and preparing the meat sauce.
- Mixing Spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Serving Utensils: For serving the spaghetti and meat sauce.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound 450g spaghetti noodles.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound 450g ground beef.
- Onion: 1 medium onion finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic minced.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups 480ml tomato sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for serving.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce until well coated. Serve the spaghetti topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Notes
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 20 minutes helps to develop the flavors.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti until al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture.