Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Growing up in the Midwest, we have always called red sauce “spaghetti sauce.”  Until I met my husband over 10 years ago, I assumed that’s what everyone called it! Not the case.  While dating my Italian husband, we spent many Sunday evenings having dinner with his family.  Every week or so we would enjoy spaghetti, meatballs and sausage covered in gravy.

“Gravy?!?” I asked in confusion, looking around the room for turkey and mashed potatoes.  Yep.  They call it spaghetti sauce “gravy!” Who knew?

No matter what you call it, it spells comfort to me.  Happy Sunday!

Your fork is waiting.

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: pasta dish

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

Calories: 420kcal

Author: Liz Della Croce

Questions / Comments?

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Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti cooked according to package instructions
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 lb ground sirloin
• 1/2 c red wine
• 16 oz mushrooms sliced
• 32 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/4 c fresh basil
• Parmigiano reggiano - to serve

Instructions

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.
• Heat a Dutch oven or sauce pot over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray.
• Saute onions and salt for 5-7 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic, chili flakes and ground sirloin. Stir to combine and cook until meat is browned. (Do not be afraid to let the meat sit still for a minute! Color = flavor.)
• When beef looks like it's about to burn, add in red wine to deglaze the pan.
• Use wooden spoon to scrape up tasty bits from bottom of the pan.
• Add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes or so.
• Stir in whole tomatoes using back of spoon to break down.
• Pour in tomato sauce and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or longer. (Tip: Have leftover parmiggiano reggiano rind? Cut off and add to sauce pot. Remove before serving. Adds tons of great flavor!)
• A minute before serving, stir in fresh basil. Enjoy with freshly grated parm.

Notes

Excellent source of Vitamin C, good source iron and Vitamin A.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.8g | Protein: 23.4g | Fat: 7.9g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 866mg | Fiber: 10.9g

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