Homemade Spaghetti

Homemade Spaghetti is a classic Italian comfort dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With a savory meat sauce made from ground beef, onions, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe and learn how to make Homemade Spaghetti step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 3 cups water
• 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat Oil:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Beef:
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Add Onion:
   • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
   • Stir in the freshly minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Season the Meat

1. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Add Sauce and Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce and add the diced tomatoes (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. Add Water:
   • Add 3 cups of water to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Cook Noodles:
   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

1. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

1. Combine:
   • Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the sauce until well coated.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the sauce.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce or make your own from scratch for a more personalized flavor.
• Tomatoes: Adding diced tomatoes is optional but adds extra texture and flavor to the sauce.

Variations

Spicy Spaghetti

• Add Spice:
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Meatball Spaghetti

• Add Meatballs:
  • Make homemade meatballs and cook them in the sauce for a classic meatball spaghetti.

Vegetarian Spaghetti

• Use Vegetables:
  • Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

With Sides

• With Garlic Bread:
  • Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Salad:
  • Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a fresh side.

With Toppings

• With Parmesan Cheese:
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for added richness.
• With Fresh Herbs:
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

With Beverages

• With Red Wine:
  • Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot.
• With Lemonade:
  • Serve with lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing drink.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta? A: Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta or any other pasta variety you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the sauce? A: Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? A: You can make your own Italian seasoning by combining dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and dice about 4-5 fresh tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes.

Homemade Spaghetti is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich meat sauce and tender pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, Homemade Spaghetti is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal with your family and friends!