Best 7 Cooking Light Spaghetti And Meat Sauce Recipes

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Indulge in a flavorful and wholesome culinary experience with our carefully curated collection of spaghetti and meat sauce recipes. From classic Italian favorites to lighter and healthier variations, our diverse selection caters to every taste and dietary preference.

For traditionalists, our classic spaghetti and meat sauce recipe offers a rich and hearty dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. Slow-simmered ground beef or turkey is infused with an aromatic blend of herbs, spices, and crushed tomatoes, resulting in a rich and velvety sauce that perfectly coats al dente spaghetti noodles.

For those seeking a lighter alternative, our turkey spaghetti and meat sauce recipe swaps ground beef for ground turkey, reducing saturated fat while maintaining a satisfyingly savory flavor. Zucchini and carrots add a touch of sweetness and texture, while whole wheat spaghetti provides a boost of fiber.

Vegetarians and vegans can delight in our meatless spaghetti and sauce recipe, which showcases the versatility of vegetables. A combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach provides a hearty and flavorful base, while a homemade tomato sauce adds a tangy and vibrant touch.

For those with dietary restrictions, our gluten-free spaghetti and meat sauce recipe offers a delicious and inclusive option. Using gluten-free spaghetti and a homemade sauce made with almond flour, this recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy this classic dish without compromising on taste.

No matter your dietary preferences, our collection of spaghetti and meat sauce recipes offers something for everyone. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

MEAT SAUCE AND SPAGHETTI



Meat Sauce and Spaghetti image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

6 ounces thick sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 whole cloves
1 whole star anise pod
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, 3 minced and 2 sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces coarsely ground beef chuck
8 ounces coarsely ground pork butt
1 1/4 cups white wine, divided
3/4 cup evaporated milk
3 cups beef broth
1-ounce dried porcini mushrooms, finely chopped
2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 gallon water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 pound dry spaghetti

Steps:

  • For the meat sauce:
  • Place an 8-quart Dutch oven over low heat and add the bacon. Cook slowly until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan for another use. Add the onion, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Place the clove and star anise into a small spice bag, add to the Dutch oven and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions caramelize, 45 to 60 minutes. Add the celery and the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and continue to cook over low heat until the celery is semi-translucent, approximately 30 minutes. Remove the spice bag from the pot.
  • Meanwhile, place a wide 4-quart saute pan, over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and once it shimmers, add the beef chuck and the pork butt and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is well browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the meat to a colander to drain. Return the pan to high heat, add 1/2 cup of the wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Transfer these bits and any remaining wine to the Dutch oven along with the meat.
  • Add another 1/2 cup of the wine, evaporated milk, beef broth, and mushrooms to the Dutch oven and stir to combine. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 hours.
  • Once the sauce has been cooking for 1 1/2 hours, place the 4-quart saute pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the 2 cloves of sliced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds or until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to brown. Add the tomatoes, oregano, basil, and marjoram and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, approximately 30 minutes. Add the remaining 1/4 cup wine, tomato paste, ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. Decrease the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high; add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Transfer the tomato mixture to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Simmer the sauce, uncovered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, while preparing the pasta.
  • For the pasta:
  • Bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat. Carefully add the pasta, stirring quickly to separate. Cover and return to a boil, being careful that the water does not boil over. Once boiling again, uncover and continue to cook until slightly less than al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain in a colander.
  • Add the pasta to the meat sauce and cook, over low heat, for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Transfer pasta and sauce to a serving bowl or individual bowls and serve.

PASTA WITH MEAT SAUCE



Pasta with Meat Sauce image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons oil (I'm using olive oil)
2 pounds ground meat of your choice, such as beef, pork, turkey, chicken, lamb (I'm using beef)
1 onion, diced (I'm using yellow onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato paste
3/4 cup liquid of your choice, such as beef stock, chicken stock, water or wine (I'm using red wine)
One 28-ounce can tomato product (I'm using crushed tomatoes)
2 tablespoons oregano (if you have it)
Salt and pepper
1 pound dry pasta (I'm using rigatoni)
3 tablespoons grated hard cheese (I'm using Parmesan)

Steps:

  • Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the meat and cook, without stirring, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon, then add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Add the crushed tomatoes and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened and the flavors come together, about 1 hour.
  • About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt liberally. Drop in the pasta, give it a stir and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Remove from the heat, toss in the cheese and serve.

COOKING LIGHT SPAGHETTI AND MEAT SAUCE



Cooking Light Spaghetti and Meat Sauce image

My new favorite recipe for Spaghetti Sauce! The secret ingredient is.... roasted red bell peppers! Cooking Light adapted recipe.

Provided by Redsie

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 1h20m

Yield 14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef
cooking spray
1 1/2 cups diced onions
1 1/2 cups diced green bell peppers
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 large)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup sugar
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (7 ounce) bottle roasted red peppers, undrained
14 cups hot cooked spaghetti (about 1 3/4 pounds uncooked pasta)

Steps:

  • Cook the meat in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain meat well, and set aside. Wipe out pan with a paper towel, and coat with cooking spray.
  • Place the pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the diced onion, diced bell peppers, mushrooms and minced garlic, and sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add zucchini, and sauté 5 minutes. Drain vegetables. Return meat and vegetables to pan, and stir in dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook mixture over medium-high heat 5 minutes. Add sugar, crushed and stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and roasted red bell peppers to pan, and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour or until sauce is thick. Serve the meat sauce over pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380.8, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 30.1, Sodium 820.7, Carbohydrate 65.3, Fiber 6.8, Sugar 14.9, Protein 21.8

GARLIC CREAM SAUCE



Garlic Cream Sauce image

This rich, easy garlic cream sauce recipe is requested at every family occasion I attend. Don't be afraid to alter the recipe with more or less garlic to suit your taste. -Joy McQuaid, Darlington, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup butter, cubed
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked fettuccine
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve over pasta. If desired, garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Fat 32g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 358mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 8g protein.

ONE-POT SPAGHETTI WITH MEAT SAUCE



One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce image

It doesn't get much easier than this by cooking everything in one pot. Italian sausage and pasta sauce with spaghetti noodles that you can have on the table in less than 45 minutes. Switch it up by using ground beef, chicken, or turkey along with any other of your favorite ingredients, such as sliced mushrooms.

Provided by bd.weld

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Sausage

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 small white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (26 ounce) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti noodles, broken in half
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Steps:

  • Combine ground sausage, onions, and garlic in a large pot or skillet with tall sides. Cook over medium heat until sausage is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
  • Stir water, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning into the pot; bring to a boil. Stir in spaghetti noodles, return to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are cooked through and sauce has thickened, 17 to 20 minutes.
  • Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 606.4 calories, Carbohydrate 66.1 g, Cholesterol 53.4 mg, Fat 26.6 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 29.5 g, SaturatedFat 10.1 g, Sodium 1650.9 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH GROUND BEEF



Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef image

This recipe has been handed down from my mother. It is a family favorite and will not be replaced! (Definite husband pleaser!)

Provided by Hank's Mom

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a large saucepan. Cook and stir until meat is brown and vegetables are tender. Drain grease.
  • Stir diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the pan. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer spaghetti sauce for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185.1 calories, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 34.8 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 930.8 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

MEAT SAUCE FOR SPAGHETTI



Meat Sauce for Spaghetti image

Here's a thick, hearty sauce that turns ordinary spaghetti and garlic bread into a filling feast. When I'm in a hurry, I make this slow cooker recipe in an electric frying pan instead. -Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 8h30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound ground beef
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 cup water
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. , Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, green pepper, onion, carrots, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until bubbly. Serve with spaghetti. Freeze option: Do not cook spaghetti. Freeze meat sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Place sauce in a large skillet; heat through, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary. Serve over spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Fat 17g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 767mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

Tips:

  • Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content of the sauce.
  • Add some chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions, to the sauce to boost its nutritional value.
  • Use whole wheat spaghetti or another whole grain pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish.
  • Serve the spaghetti and meat sauce with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
  • If you're short on time, you can use a jarred spaghetti sauce. Just be sure to choose one that is low in sodium and sugar.

Conclusion:

This Cooking Light Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's packed with flavor, and it's also low in fat and calories. So, you can enjoy it without guilt. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

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