Savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food

Savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping. This classic Italian-American dish features a rich and flavorful meat sauce made with ground chuck, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Paired with al dente spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready in about an hour and a half, this dish is worth every minute spent simmering to develop its deep, savory flavors. Each serving contains approximately 450 kcal, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 8 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 lbs ground chuck
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp minced parsley
• 1 tsp dried sweet basil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti pasta (quantity as needed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and diced onions, and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the diced green pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Add the ground chuck to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, minced parsley, dried sweet basil, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best results, let it simmer for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

• While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti pasta and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Serve:

• Plate the cooked spaghetti and top with the savory meat sauce.
• Garnish with additional minced parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously savory spaghetti meat sauce!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Helpful Tips

• Meat: Ground chuck is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor and balanced fat content. However, you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or a mix of meats for variation.
• Tomatoes: Using a combination of diced, crushed, and sauce tomatoes gives the sauce a perfect texture and depth of flavor.
• Simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer for an extended period helps meld the flavors and thicken the sauce, making it richer and more robust.

Cooking Tips

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs. Simply double the amount if using fresh herbs.
• Wine: Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers can enhance the flavor and add depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the meat sauce perfectly.
• Garnish: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 5g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The meat sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love Savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce, you might enjoy these other delicious pasta dishes:

1. Bolognese Sauce:

A classic Italian meat sauce made with ground beef, pancetta, and a blend of vegetables, simmered in a rich tomato and wine sauce.

2. Marinara Sauce:

A simple yet flavorful tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.

3. Puttanesca Sauce:

A bold and tangy tomato sauce with olives, capers, anchovies, and red pepper flakes, ideal for those who love robust flavors.

4. Alfredo Sauce:

A creamy and decadent sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, typically served with fettuccine.

5. Carbonara:

A traditional Roman pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, creating a rich and creamy sauce without any cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. What type of pasta works best with this sauce? Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop about 4-5 large tomatoes to substitute for the canned tomatoes.

4. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can omit the ground meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant for a vegetarian version.

5. How do I make the sauce spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, hearty sauce and tender spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a classic Italian-American dinner that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!

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