If you’re longing for a heartwarming meal that brings comfort, tradition, and smiles around the dinner table, look no further than Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe. This classic spaghetti dish marries rich tomato flavors with perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender pasta, creating a homemade sauce that tastes like a warm hug from Mama herself. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your evening with moments to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds depth, texture, or color, turning everyday pantry staples into a dinner everyone will rave about.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that makes the sauce filling and rich.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle smoothness.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and essential flavor depth when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth that infuses every bite.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Creates the fresh, tangy foundation of the sauce.
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Balances flavors and keeps the sauce smooth.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Cuts acidity and enhances tomato sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Gives herbaceous notes, a classic Italian touch.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy, slightly peppery undertones to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors and seasons the dish just right.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat for those who love spice.
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: The perfect classic pasta to carry the luscious sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds nutty, salty flavor.
- Fresh parsley for serving: Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal brightness.
How to Make Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about four minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just for a minute to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned evenly, which should take about 7–8 minutes. This step is where your sauce gets its rich, hearty flavor. If there’s excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it to keep the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce into the browned beef mixture. Toss in the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little adventurous with spice. Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and lets all those ingredients meld together into the soul-warming flavor profile that defines Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep the sauce silky smooth.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, that perfect texture with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta well and either toss it immediately with the sauce or serve the sauce ladled over plated noodles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh parsley to brighten up the plate with color and flavor.
How to Serve Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving this spaghetti is how easy it is to personalize the finishing touches. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness, while crisp chopped parsley gives the dish an inviting freshness. For an extra burst of flavor, add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread, toasted to golden perfection, is also an unbeatable side that soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce. To keep the meal balanced, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli bring a nice pop of color and nutrition to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the spaghetti and sauce with mozzarella for a baked spaghetti casserole that’s bubbly and irresistible. Or serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles for a light, veggie-friendly version. Setting the table with fresh basil leaves and a rustic loaf of bread can turn this everyday meal into an Italian-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe is wonderful because it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store your leftover sauce and cooked pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save time on busy nights, freeze the sauce portion in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover spaghetti, gently warm the sauce on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Toss with reheated or freshly cooked pasta. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help refresh the sauce’s texture and keep it luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this recipe. Each brings a slightly different flavor but keeps the heartiness you love in Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the meat altogether or use lentils or mushrooms as a substitute in the sauce for a plant-based, hearty option that keeps all the comforting elements of this classic dish.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
While traditional spaghetti noodles are perfect, you can also use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The sauce clings well to any pasta that can hold a little sauce on its surface.
How spicy is the sauce with crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat depending on how much you use. It’s optional, so add to your taste preference or leave out if you prefer a milder version of Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze, making dinner preparation a breeze when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a plate of spaghetti that’s been crafted with love and simple, quality ingredients. Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe is a reminder that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. Give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a cherished classic in your home, just like it is in mine.
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Simply Suppers Mama’s Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
Mama’s Spaghetti is a classic, comforting American-Italian dish featuring a rich, flavorful beef and tomato sauce simmered to perfection. This hearty main course is perfect for a family dinner or weeknight meal, served over al dente spaghetti noodles and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Mix the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and melding the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and either return it to the pot or plate immediately.
- Serve: Spoon the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat, or serve the sauce on top of plated noodles. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley as desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles in place of ground beef.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
