Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. When you’re short on time but still want a nutritious meal, this quick and easy spaghetti recipe is your go-to solution. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a delicious, healthy dinner in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Steps
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks, which should take about 8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften, which should take around 5 minutes. Then, incorporate garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about a minute while stirring continuously.
- Pour in water and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil around 15 minutes before the sauce is done. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.
- Once the sauce finishes cooking, remove it from the heat and stir in fresh basil. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors for a minute before tossing again, then serve with grated parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) dried spaghetti
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground meat such as beef or turkey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (130g) chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of water, broth, or dry red wine
- 1 (28oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2916 | Total Fat: 100.2g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 348.6mg | Sodium: 5864.4mg | Carbohydrate: 349.2g | Dietary Fiber: 28.2g | Total Sugars: 61.8g | Protein: 163.8g
FAQ
- Can I use different types of ground meat in this spaghetti recipe?
- Yes, you can use any ground meat you prefer. Ground turkey, beef, pork, and chicken all work well in this recipe. Each type of meat will add its unique flavor and texture.
- What can I substitute for traditional pasta if I want a lower-carb option?
- You can substitute some or all of the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb version. These alternatives are a great way to enjoy the dish with fewer carbohydrates.
- How do I know when the spaghetti is perfectly cooked?
- Spaghetti is usually perfectly al dente just before the cooking time suggested on the package. Start checking your pasta a minute or two before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Is it necessary to rinse spaghetti after cooking?
- No, you don’t need to rinse spaghetti after cooking if you plan to toss it with sauce. Rinsing removes starch which helps the sauce cling to the noodles. The exception is for cold pasta dishes, where rinsing can be beneficial.
- How should I store leftover spaghetti and meat sauce?
- Leftover spaghetti and meat sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The meat sauce can also be made in advance and frozen for up to three months.
- What can I add if the sauce tastes too acidic or lacks flavor?
- If the sauce tastes too acidic, try adding a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. For a richer taste, consider adding fish sauce, mushroom powder, or anchovy paste. These ingredients add a savory depth to the sauce.
Tips
- Use Salted Pasta Water: Ensure your pasta water is well-salted before cooking the spaghetti. This enhances the flavor of the pasta, making it more delicious when combined with the sauce.
- Check Pasta Doneness Early: Start checking your spaghetti for doneness a minute or two before the package’s suggested cooking time. This helps achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- Enhance Sauce Flavor: If your sauce tastes too acidic, balance it with a pinch of sugar. For added depth, consider incorporating ingredients like fish sauce, mushroom powder, or anchovy paste.
- Reuse Parmesan Rinds: For an extra layer of richness, add a leftover parmesan rind to the sauce while it simmers. Just be sure to remove it before serving, as it won’t fully dissolve.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot – Required for making the meat sauce.
- Wooden Spoon – Useful for stirring the sauce and breaking up the meat.
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta – Necessary for cooking the spaghetti.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – To mince the garlic cloves efficiently.
- Grater – For grating parmesan cheese to serve on top.
