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To make a tasty spaghetti with meat sauce, gather these main ingredients: - 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, finely diced - 1 bell pepper, finely diced (red or yellow) - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These ingredients bring rich flavors and a hearty feel to the dish. The best pasta for this dish is spaghetti, but you can try others too. Options like fettuccine or penne can work well. They hold sauce nicely and add variety. Choose what you enjoy most. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture. The key seasonings for a great meat sauce are oregano and basil. They enhance the flavor and aroma. You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a twist, try adding mushrooms or zucchini to your mix. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. For the full recipe, follow along with the detailed steps to create this delightful meal. To make great spaghetti, start by boiling water. Use a big pot and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the spaghetti. Save a cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and can help the sauce stick later. While the pasta cooks, you can make the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft but not browned. Next, add 1 lb of ground beef or turkey. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any extra fat. Now, stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, you can add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. If it gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to mix it with the spaghetti. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together well. Make sure the spaghetti is coated in the sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Now, serve your spaghetti on plates. Top it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your savory spaghetti with meat sauce! For more details, check the full recipe. To get the best meat sauce, you want it thick but not dry. Start by cooking your meat until it’s nicely browned. This adds flavor. After you add the tomatoes, let it simmer. This helps all the flavors mix together. If your sauce feels too thick, add some pasta water. It makes the sauce silkier. Al dente means pasta that is firm but not hard. To cook spaghetti perfectly, boil salted water first. Add the spaghetti and check it a minute or two early. Pasta continues to cook even after you drain it. This will help keep it from getting mushy. Remember, you want a bite to it! Garnishing makes your dish look nice and inviting. Use fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch too. Sprinkle it on right before serving. If you want to impress, add a drizzle of olive oil on top. It adds richness and a nice sheen. For a full recipe, check out Spaghetti Delight with Savory Meat Sauce. {{image_2}} For a meatless meal, swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms. Both add great texture. Use 1 cup of cooked lentils or 8 oz of chopped mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a rich flavor. This dish stays hearty and filling without meat. You still get that great spaghetti experience! If you like heat, add some spice to your sauce. Mix in 1 teaspoon of chili powder or more red pepper flakes. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños while cooking the veggies. This makes your dish bold and exciting. A drizzle of hot sauce on top adds a nice kick. For a gourmet touch, try adding some unique ingredients. Use ground lamb or a mix of meats for a richer flavor. You can also add a splash of red wine to the sauce for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhance the taste too. For a creamy twist, stir in some mascarpone cheese right before serving. This gives your spaghetti a luxurious feel. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. To keep your spaghetti with meat sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your meal soggy. Place the container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. You can freeze spaghetti and meat sauce for up to three months. To do this, first, let the dish cool down. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label each bag with the date and contents. When you're ready to eat, simply take out a bag and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring often. If you use a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This way, you’ll enjoy a meal that tastes just as good as when you first made it. For the full recipe, check it out! Spaghetti with meat sauce can last up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can use different meats for this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter option. If you want more flavor, try ground pork or sausage. You can even mix meats for a richer taste. Each choice gives a unique twist to the sauce. Some great side dishes pair well with spaghetti. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is a classic choice that many love. You could also serve steamed vegetables for added nutrition. These sides complement the meal and round out your dining experience. For the full recipe, check out Spaghetti Delight with Savory Meat Sauce. We covered the key points to make a great spaghetti with meat sauce. You learned about important ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can also explore tasty variations like meatless or spicy dishes. Remember to store your leftovers properly and follow the reheating tips for the best taste. Enjoy making this classic dish your own! With these ideas, you're ready to impress at the dinner table.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Savor the taste of home with this Spaghetti Delight with Savory Meat Sauce recipe! In just 40 minutes, you can create a comforting meal featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich meat sauce made from fresh ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish promises satisfying flavors in every bite.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 bell pepper, finely diced (red or yellow)

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

    Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

            Serve: Plate the spaghetti, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4