Wild Eats & Treats!

A Delicious and Nutritious Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe

Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic that never goes out of style. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Our recipe focuses on using natural ingredients to create a healthier version of this beloved meal, without compromising on taste. Read on to discover how to prepare this delectable dish and enjoy Italian cuisine at its finest.

Ingredients

To make this hearty spaghetti with meat sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Spaghetti: 12 oz of whole wheat spaghetti
• Ground Meat: 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Carrot: 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf
• Herbs: 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (optional for serving)

Preparation Process

This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and serves 4-6 people.

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

4. In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and the onion is translucent.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
7. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the paste evenly coats the meat and vegetables.
8. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.

9. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

10. Season the Sauce:

11. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

12. Assemble the Dish:

13. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss the spaghetti until it is well-coated with the sauce. If necessary, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

14. Serve:

15. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese if using.

Nutritional Information

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal (without Parmesan cheese)

Enjoy this wholesome and delightful spaghetti with meat sauce, and savor the authentic flavors made all the more satisfying by using natural, health-conscious ingredients. Buon appetito!