Easy Spaghetti with Ground Beef Recipe

Ever wondered how to make a spaghetti dish as good as your favorite Italian restaurant’s? Look no further! This easy spaghetti recipe with ground beef is perfect for comfort food lovers. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pasta sauce that’ll take you straight to Italy.

This recipe combines the rich flavors of 80/20 ground beef with three tomato types – crushed, sauce, and paste. It’s seasoned with Italian herbs and simmered to perfection. This dish is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners.

It’s great for families of eight or for meal prepping throughout the week. With gluten-free options and make-ahead tips, this spaghetti dish fits easily into your busy life.

Key Takeaways

• Quick 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights
• Uses 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor
• Combines three tomato preparations for a rich sauce
• Serves 8, with options for leftovers and freezing
• Customizable with gluten-free and vegetarian variations
• Nutritionally balanced with 27.3g of protein per serving

Introduction to Classic Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a key dish in Italian-American food. It mixes al dente pasta with a rich beef bolognese. This makes a comforting meal great for family dinners. The meat sauce is the main attraction, made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs.

A classic recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef and 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes. It also includes spices. The sauce cooks for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors get deeper.

This dish can feed 4 to 6 people when served with 8-12 ounces of spaghetti. You can make the meat sauce your own by adding onions, green peppers, or using turkey instead of beef. For a full Italian meal, serve it with garlic bread or an Italian chopped salad.

“Spaghetti with meat sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.”

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving has about 550 calories, 25.6 grams of protein, and 5.3 grams of fiber. It’s a fulfilling meal that brings the taste of Italy to your home.

Ingredients for the Perfect Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Creating a delicious spaghetti dish starts with picking the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts that make this classic meal a hit with families.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

For the best taste and texture, go for 80/20 ground beef. This mix has a good balance of lean meat and fat. This makes your sauce rich and tasty. You’ll need one pound of ground beef for 4-6 people.

Essential Pasta and Sauce Components

The heart of any great spaghetti dish is the pasta sauce. Begin with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste for a thick base. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers to boost the flavor. Choose a quality spaghetti brand that can handle the hearty sauce well.

Herbs and Spices for Flavor

Italian seasoning is crucial for that real taste. It usually has oregano, basil, and thyme. Remember to add salt and black pepper to taste. Some cooks use a bit of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ acidity. For more spice, try red pepper flakes or a little cumin.

With these top ingredients, you’re set to make a spaghetti with ground beef meal that will impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this easy dinner is simple with our one-pot meal method. Let’s go through the steps for our tasty spaghetti with ground beef.

Begin by browning 80% lean ground beef in a big pot for 5-7 minutes. This fat level makes the sauce flavorful without too much grease. Then, add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers, cooking until they’re soft.

Next, stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the sauce simmer for about an hour, letting the flavors blend. While the sauce cooks, cook the spaghetti in salted water as the package says.

Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and mix it with the meat sauce. This whole process takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep. It makes 8 servings of this filling meal.

This easy spaghetti recipe is great for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. It’s a smart choice for meal prep.

Tips for Achieving the Ideal Sauce Consistency

Making the perfect pasta sauce is crucial in Italian cooking. A balanced tomato sauce can take your spaghetti dish from good to amazing. Let’s look at some ways to get that perfect consistency and flavor in your homemade pasta sauce.

Simmering Techniques

Simmering is key for developing flavors in your tomato sauce. Cook it over low heat for 30-60 minutes, stirring now and then. This lets the ingredients blend and creates a deep flavor. But, don’t simmer for more than 4 hours, as it can ruin the meat’s texture and taste.

Thickening Methods

If your sauce is too thin, try these methods to thicken it:

• Reduce the sauce by simmering uncovered
• Add tomato paste for a richer consistency
• Use a cornstarch slurry as a quick fix

Adjusting Flavors

Getting the flavors right is key in Italian cooking. Here’s how to make your pasta sauce perfect:

The best tomato sauce is all about balance. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust as you go. With these tips, you’ll make a pasta sauce that beats any Italian restaurant’s.

Customizing Your Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Beef

Make your Italian meals special by adding your own twist to beef bolognese. This sauce is great for making your own version. Start with a classic recipe for 10 people, then try new ingredients and flavors.

Add veggies to your sauce for more nutrition. Mushrooms bring a rich taste, while carrots add sweetness and color. For a deeper flavor, use red wine to deglaze the pan before adding tomatoes.

Try different meats for a unique taste. Mix beef with pork for a richer flavor or use turkey for something lean. Adding balsamic vinegar or anchovies will boost the umami taste.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or fresh chili
• Stir in grated Parmesan for extra richness
• Add herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic twist

Slow cooking is key for a great beef bolognese. Let your sauce simmer for about 3 hours to get the best flavors. This dish has about 365 calories per serving, making it a fulfilling meal. For more ideas on ground beef recipes, see this collection of versatile dishes.

Pairing Suggestions: Side Dishes and Accompaniments

Make your Italian meal special with tasty side dishes. These sides turn a basic meal into a cozy family favorite. Let’s check out some great options to go with your hearty pasta.

Garlic Bread Options

No spaghetti meal is full without garlic bread. You can pick from classic, cheesy, or herb-infused garlic bread. These breads have a crispy outside and savory taste that match the rich pasta sauce well.

Salad Recommendations

A fresh salad brings a nice crunch to your meal. Try a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, a colorful Caprese salad, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. For something different, go for a Panzanella salad with tomatoes and crusty bread.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Add healthy veggies to your meal with these yummy sides. Sautéed zucchini, roasted broccoli with Parmesan, or a mix of Mediterranean vegetables go great with Italian food.

With these tasty pairings, your spaghetti dinner will be unforgettable. Try different side dishes to make a meal that everyone will love.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Spaghetti

Leftover spaghetti is a great option for busy families. Storing and reheating it right keeps the pasta sauce tasty and safe. You can keep it fresh for up to five days in the fridge.

Keep your pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers for freshness. Put them in the fridge within two hours of cooking to stay safe. This way, your favorite dish stays fresh and the noodles don’t get soggy.

There are many ways to reheat your spaghetti. For the best flavor, warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Here are some ways to reheat the pasta:

• Dip a colander of pasta into boiling water for 30-60 seconds
• Sauté in a pan with olive oil for 2-5 minutes
• Microwave with a few drops of water, covered loosely, in 15-second intervals

You can also turn leftovers into a Spaghetti Casserole. Mix the pasta with sauce, egg, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for a crispy, cheesy treat. Add different meats, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own.

Freezing Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Storing homemade meat or pasta sauce is a smart move for easy dinners later. Freezing your spaghetti sauce saves time and keeps meals tasty.

Proper Freezing Techniques

Let your sauce cool to room temperature before freezing. Don’t leave it out for over 2 hours. Use containers or bags made for freezers. Divide the sauce into sizes that fit your family.

• Gallon-size freezer bags
• Plastic freezer containers
• Muffin tins for individual portions

Take out air from bags to avoid freezer burn. Mark containers with the date and what’s inside. Sauces with tomatoes freeze well, not cream-based ones.

Thawing and Reheating Methods

Thaw sauce in the fridge overnight. For faster thawing, put the bag in cold water. Reheat on the stovetop, stirring often. Add water if it’s too thick.

You can use frozen spaghetti sauce in many ways. Try it with various pasta, as a dip, or in lasagna. For the best taste, use fresh pasta with your sauce.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a favorite comfort food in Italian cuisine. It’s packed with nutrients. A 260g serving has 221 calories, making it a fulfilling meal. It also has 11g of fat, 15g of protein, and 17g of carbs, including 3.9g of fiber.

This classic dish is full of important nutrients. It gives you 70.20 mcg of vitamin A, 4.2 mg of vitamin C, and 2.86 mg of iron. You’ll also get 67.60 mg of calcium and 822 mg of potassium. These help keep you healthy.

Spaghetti is a key ingredient in Italian cooking, known for its great taste and nutrition. It’s low in fat but high in energy, perfect for active people. The meat sauce adds protein, which is good for muscles. For those avoiding gluten, there are gluten-free spaghetti options.

To make this dish healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat pasta, and add more veggies to your sauce. These changes can make it more nutritious without losing its great taste.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Italian cuisine is full of ways to change the classic beef bolognese. Let’s look at exciting new takes on this favorite pasta sauce. These changes suit different tastes and diets.

Using Different Meats

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bolognese. Pork brings a rich taste to your sauce. Mixing meats gives a unique flavor.

Vegetarian Alternatives

For a meatless option, try lentils or mushrooms as your sauce base. They offer a texture like ground beef. Eggplant and zucchini are great in vegetarian bolognese too.

Gluten-Free Options

Make Italian dishes gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Gluten-free pasta from rice or corn is also a good choice for your bolognese sauce.

These new takes on beef bolognese let you play with flavors while keeping the Italian spirit. Whether you want a healthier choice or need to follow dietary rules, these options make sure everyone can enjoy a tasty pasta sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

Make your Italian cuisine shine with these serving tips for your spaghetti with ground beef. This comfort food is best served with a presentation that matches its great taste.

Put your spaghetti in wide, shallow bowls for even sauce distribution. This way, the pasta and sauce mix perfectly in every bite. For a family touch, put a big bowl of spaghetti in the middle of the table, covered with lots of beef sauce.

Boost the look and taste with these easy garnishes:

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top
• Add a few leaves of fresh basil for a pop of color and aroma
• Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat

For a meal everyone can customize, set out small bowls of extra toppings. This lets everyone make their plate just how they like it. Consider including:

• Extra grated cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs like oregano or parsley
• Toasted pine nuts for added crunch

Remember, how you present your dish is important in Italian cuisine. Use warm plates to keep the food at the right temperature. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a full meal. With these tips, your spaghetti with ground beef will look and taste amazing.

Why This Spaghetti Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This spaghetti recipe is a hit with families all over America. It’s loved for its simple yet flavorful taste. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

It’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s versatile. With ground beef and Italian sausage, it’s great for meat lovers. Plus, it still captures the true taste of Italian food. You can also adjust it to fit different tastes and diets.

This spaghetti is not only tasty but also nutritious. It has a lot of protein and is well-balanced. Plus, it makes a lot, so you’ll have leftovers. These leftovers are often said to be even better the next day.

This recipe is a true example of Italian-American comfort food. It brings families together for dinner, creating lasting memories.

Troubleshooting Common Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Issues

Making the perfect pasta sauce can be a challenge. If your sauce is too thin, just simmer it longer or add some tomato paste. For a thicker sauce, mix in a bit of water or broth. Getting the right texture is crucial for a great dinner.

Don’t let overcooked pasta mess up your spaghetti dish. Start checking if it’s done a minute or two before the package says. Use regular ground beef with about 30% fat for a tasty meat sauce. Season it well with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano and basil.

If your sauce doesn’t taste good, try adding some umami-rich ingredients. Add grated Parmesan cheese or a little anchovy paste. For a spicy touch, add red pepper flakes. These easy changes can turn your pasta sauce from dull to exciting, making your meal a success.