Mama's Special Spaghetti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Mama's Special Spaghetti, a hearty and irresistible family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender spaghetti pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef, sweet crushed tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Enhanced with the subtle sweetness of a touch of sugar and the warmth of freshly minced garlic, this dish is simmered to perfection for a depth of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Tossed together and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of vibrant parsley, this spaghetti is a one-pot wonder that’s both easy and satisfying. Ready in just under an hour, Mama's Special Spaghetti is a surefire crowd-pleaser that makes dinnertime feel extra special.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 liter water
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Mix until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3034.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3501.7

Total Fat 155.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 431.9mg	0%
Sodium 12060.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 373.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.3g	0%
Total Sugars 60.6g
Protein 188.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1576.5mg	0%
Iron 31.8mg	0%
Potassium 5395.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.4%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 40.9%