Ah, classic spaghetti with meat sauce! This dish brings back so many cozy memories for me. I remember as a kid watching my mom whip up this mouthwatering dish on those chilly Sunday afternoons while the scent of simmering garlic and tomatoes filled our little kitchen. It was a symphony of flavors and an instant mood-lifter! Now, I’ve made it a tradition to make spaghetti on one of my weekly meal prep days, and there’s just something about twirling that pasta onto my fork that brings a massive grin to my face.
What I love most about this recipe is how comforting it is—perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing friends at a dinner party. It’s simple, delicious, and the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home. Plus, you can always customize it to jazz it up a bit. So, let’s dive into this classic and get you cooking your own unforgettable spaghetti!
What’s in Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
Spaghetti: The star of the show! I usually stick to a good brand like Barilla to ensure my pasta has that perfect al dente bite.
Ground Beef (or Turkey): I often choose ground turkey for a leaner option, but you can’t go wrong with the classic beef. Just make sure to break it apart as it cooks for that rich, meaty sauce.
Small Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the sauce. It’s amazing how such a humble ingredient can lift the flavors!
Garlic: Two cloves might seem like a little, but it packs an aromatic punch! Fresh is best here, in my opinion.
Crushed Tomatoes: This is where the sauce gets its body and flavor! I love San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness; they truly make a difference.
Tomato Paste: This helps to thicken the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor, making it rich and delicious.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs complement the sauce beautifully. I always have these in my pantry—must-haves for any Italian dish!
Salt and Black Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way! Adjust these according to your taste.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because what’s pasta without cheese? Adding this at the end gives it a delightful umami finish.
Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing! I prefer a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that added flavor kick.
Fresh Parsley: It’s optional, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish right up!
Garlic Bread: You can’t have spaghetti without garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce!
Is Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Good for You?
When pondering the nutritional value of spaghetti with meat sauce, there are a few considerations!
Spaghetti: Whole grain or alternative pasta options like lentil pasta are fantastic substitutes if you’re looking to up the fiber content. Keeping this to a moderate portion can help balance carbs in your meal.
Ground Beef: While it packs protein, opting for lean ground turkey lowers the fat content—great for those watching their saturated fats.
Crushed Tomatoes: These are chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy base for your sauce. Plus, cooking tomatoes increases the availability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant!
Overall, while it’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed within a balanced diet, being mindful of portion sizes is key. Feel free to throw in some veggies to amp up the nutritional value and add flavor!
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– 2 slices of garlic bread (for serving)
This recipe serves about 4 people, so you can share or enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
How to Make Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce?
1. **Cook the spaghetti:** Follow the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. **Add the garlic:** Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Brown the meat:** Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, using a spatula to break it apart—about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Make the sauce:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. **Mix it all together:** Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until every strand is coated in that yummy goodness!
7. **Serve:** Dish the spaghetti into bowls, topping each with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if you fancy.
8. **Pair with garlic bread:** Don’t forget that garlic bread on the side—it’s practically required!
Spice It Up!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, add bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
– Want a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce.
– For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Honestly, every time I make this spaghetti with meat sauce, it feels like a hug on a plate. I truly hope you give it a try! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you—it’s always lovely to hear about your kitchen adventures! Happy cooking!
