Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce

📖 Full Recipe with Description:

Description:

This classic spaghetti with ground beef sauce is a hearty and comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and full of rich, savory flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying balance of pasta, protein, and tomato goodness, all topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Ground Beef Sauce

• Spaghetti – 12 oz (340g)

• Ground beef – 1 lb (450g), lean

• Olive oil – 1 tbsp

• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

• Tomato paste – 2 tbsp

• Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz / 800g)

• Italian seasoning – 1½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Black pepper – to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp

• Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish

• Grated parmesan cheese – for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.

3. Brown the Beef:
   Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

4. Add Garlic & Tomato Paste:
   Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Simmer the Sauce:
   Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Combine & Serve:
   Toss the cooked spaghetti with the beef sauce or serve sauce on top of pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated parmesan.

📝 Notes:

• You can use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if preferred.

• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for richer flavor.

• The sauce can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3 months.

💡 Tips:

• For a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding.

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti—al dente texture holds up better with sauce.

• Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavor if time allows.

• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.

🍽️ Servings:

4 generous servings

🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 52g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sodium: 680mg

• Sugar: 7g

(Values may vary based on brands and measurements.)

✅ Benefits:

• Balanced meal: Combines protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

• Kid-friendly: Familiar and widely loved flavor.

• Meal prep–friendly: Sauce can be stored for later use.

• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different herbs or proteins (turkey, chicken, tofu).

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version with less fat.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free option.

Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: Yes, the beef sauce freezes very well. Cool it completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Spaghetti is classic, but this sauce works with penne, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.