Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onions and green pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onions and green pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and the peppers are softened. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your sauce.
Add Garlic: After the onions and peppers have softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir frequently, allowing the garlic to cook just until it becomes fragrant and begins to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
Cook the Ground Chuck: Add the ground chuck to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is fully browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Browning the meat properly is essential for developing a rich flavor.
Drain the Excess Grease: Once the ground chuck is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. This step is important to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
Season the Meat: After draining the grease, return the skillet to the heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, minced parsley, dried sweet basil, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the meat. These herbs and spices will infuse the sauce with traditional Italian flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the seasoned meat. The diced tomatoes will add a chunky texture, while the crushed tomatoes provide a smooth, thick base for the sauce.
Add the Tomato Sauce: Finally, pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed. The tomato sauce will bring all the flavors together, creating a cohesive and rich meat sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop, so if you have time, consider letting it simmer for up to 2 hours.
Prepare the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 7 to 8 minutes for al dente pasta.
Drain the Pasta: After the pasta is cooked to your desired doneness, drain it in a colander, shaking off any excess water. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the sauce to cling to the strands.
Combine and Serve: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large serving bowl. Pour the simmered meat sauce over the pasta, using a pair of tongs or a pasta fork to gently toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Tips for Success
Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe, adding fresh basil and oregano just before serving can elevate the flavors even further.
Cheese Lovers: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering for an extra layer of richness.
Make-Ahead Option: The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat before serving.
Low-Carb Variation: Substitute the spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor.
This recipe yields a large batch of sauce, making it perfect for leftovers. The flavors often improve the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Pair the spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal. For a special touch, consider serving with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, which complements the rich tomato and meat flavors beautifully.
This Spaghetti Meat Sauce with Ground Chuck is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender pasta and rich, savory sauce is a surefire way to please any palate.
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