Indulge in the timeless comfort of our Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, a dish that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. This recipe combines the robust flavors of freshly browned ground beef, aromatic onions, and sweet bell peppers with a rich tomato base, seasoned perfectly with oregano and a fresh touch of parsley. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that invites you to savor each twirl of pasta coated in this hearty sauce.
Perfect for any day of the week, this spaghetti dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the warmth and joy of Italian cuisine into your home. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, this spaghetti with meat sauce promises to comfort and delight with its deep flavors and homely charm.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package (500g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 22oz (625g) tomato sauce
- 600ml water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce and water, and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes, until sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Just before the sauce is ready, add chopped parsley and stir.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 560 | Servings: 4
The Roots of the Recipe
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, often referred to as Spaghetti Bolognese in popular culture, has roots that delve deep into Italian cooking traditions. The sauce, rich in tomatoes and minced meat, simmered with herbs, is a testament to the simplicity of Italian cooking, where few quality ingredients come together to create something extraordinarily flavorful. This version of the dish enhances the traditional recipe with the addition of red bell peppers and a hint of oregano, bringing a subtle complexity to the sauce.
Crafting the Perfect Meat Sauce
The secret to a remarkable meat sauce lies in the balance of flavors and the quality of ingredients. Starting with a base of finely chopped onions, garlic, and red bell peppers sautéed in olive oil, this recipe builds a foundation of natural sweetness and a hint of smokiness. Ground beef is then browned to perfection, creating a rich, deep flavor base. The sauce is thickened with tomato paste and tomato sauce, then simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The addition of fresh parsley towards the end of cooking infuses the sauce with freshness and color, making the dish both visually appealing and delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
This Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is not only filling but also packs a nutritional punch. Ground beef provides a high-quality source of protein and essential iron, while tomatoes offer vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant known for its health benefits. The olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve Hot: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is best served hot, right after the sauce has been mixed with freshly cooked pasta.
- Cheese Topping: Grate some Parmesan or pecorino cheese on top before serving for an extra touch of richness.
- Side Dishes: Complement the meal with a side of crispy garlic bread and a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to round out the dining experience.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently, which helps to develop the flavors more fully.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and, if possible, homemade tomato sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Pasta Choice: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta like fettuccine or penne for variation.
Conclusion
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a quintessential comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday meal or a casual dinner party, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious. It’s a testament to the power of traditional cooking techniques and simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s loved across generations and cultures.