Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce
Enjoy a timeless Italian favorite! This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is loaded with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Quick, satisfying, and packed with protein and essential nutrients, it’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or meal prep.
Ingredients:
For the Hearty Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (rich in protein and iron)
1 small onion, diced (supports digestion and adds flavor)
1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced (full of vitamin C and antioxidants)
3 cloves garlic, minced (boosts immunity and heart health)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (rich in lycopene for heart health)
1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup water
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta (whole grain options increase fiber)
Salt (for boiling water)
For Garnish:
Grated Parmesan cheese (adds calcium and umami flavor)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, adds freshness and antioxidants)
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart as it cooks, then drain any excess grease.
Add diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté 3–4 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Toss cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Servings: 4–6
Benefits of This Classic Spaghetti:
High in protein from beef for muscle health
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes
Easy and quick weeknight dinner recipe
Comforting, filling, and perfect for family-friendly meals
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Enjoy this classic Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with hearty meat sauce, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato flavor. Quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals!
