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Simple Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 458kcal
Author Kristine Underwood

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti noodles (which is about 3/4 box, cooked according to the package directions)
  • 1 TBS olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (may use turkey or sausage)
  • 1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 jar pasta sauce (24 ounces, I like to use a good quality tomato basil)
  • 1 TBS minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste, since all jarred sauces vary)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat—a pinch up to 1/4 teaspoon+ to taste)

Instructions

  • Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just tender.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and onions and brown until the meat is fully cooked.
  • Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for a minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-20 minutes, while the pasta finishes cooking and you get the table set.
  • Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles to the sauce and toss together.
  • Serve family-style in a large bowl with a side salad and garlic bread.
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
  • Salt your pasta water well.
  • Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked and slightly caramelized for the best flavor.
  • Let the sauce simmer at least 10 minutes (up to 20 minutes) so everything comes together.
  • Toss the pasta directly in the sauce instead of spooning it on top.
  • Using sausage will give the sauce a richer, more seasoned flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles, since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 787mg | Potassium: 695mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 513IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 4mg