Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

ByMia Harper
Delicious Southern Spaghetti recipe featuring rich flavors and fresh ingredients
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Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

If you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal that blends the rich flavors of Southern cooking with the familiar taste of pasta, look no further than Southern Spaghetti. This dish combines ground beef and Italian sausage with robust tomatoes and aromatic spices to create a savory sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and become a new favorite!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 550
  • Protein: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Fat: 20 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar: 6 grams
  • Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

Southern Spaghetti is not just your average pasta dish; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the sauce a depth of flavor that will warm your heart. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. The beautiful red sauce is not only visually appealing but also aromatic, making it a feast for the senses. One bite of this delightful spaghetti, and you will see why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

How to Make Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting this delicious Southern Spaghetti. With simple ingredients and easy methods, you’ll find yourself whipping this up in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Browning the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. This step builds a hearty base that flavors your entire dish.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. The aroma of sautéed vegetables will enhance the flavors and add a delightful sweetness to your sauce.

Step 3: Simmering the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a rich sauce.

Step 4: Cooking the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Remember to reserve a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later!

Step 5: Combining and Serving

Once the sauce has thickened, combine it with the cooked spaghetti in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. The cheesy topping adds a delightful creamy texture, and the basil brings freshness to each bite.

How to Serve Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

This Southern Spaghetti is fantastic as a main dish for any gathering or cozy family dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent dish for meal prep or potlucks, as it tastes even better the next day.

How to Store Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pot over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the spaghetti for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Spaghetti: Discover Your New Favorite Recipe!

  • For an extra kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • If you love vegetables, add some diced zucchini or mushrooms when sautéing for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Always taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
  • Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente for the best texture.

Delicious Variations

  • Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils or a combination of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Cheesy: Mix in some ricotta or mozzarella cheese into the pasta before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.
  • Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder for a spicier dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead?
    Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative. It adds fiber and nutrients for a healthier option.

  • What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
    You can omit it and use all ground beef or substitute it with any ground meat of your choice.

  • How can I make this gluten-free?
    Substitute the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and ensure the tomato products are gluten-free.

  • Is there a way to reduce the sodium?
    Opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes and only use half the amount of added salt to better control sodium levels.

  • Can I double this recipe?
    Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger pot and skillet to accommodate the increased volume.

Conclusion

Southern Spaghetti offers a comforting blend of flavors that make it not just satisfying but also memorable. It’s an easy recipe that anyone can follow, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy every delicious bite of this classic dish! It’s time to embrace Southern cooking and add this gem to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

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Southern Spaghetti

  • Author: mia-harper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
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Description

A hearty and comforting blend of Southern cooking and pasta, featuring a savory sauce made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and robust tomatoes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened, combine it with the cooked spaghetti in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to add vegetables for added nutrition.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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