This comforting dish of spaghetti with meat sauce offers a nostalgic, home-cooked feel with its simple ingredients and no-fuss steps. Ground chuck and onions are browned and simmered with tomato juice to create a hearty, savory sauce. It’s a reflection of mid-century American kitchen staples where convenience met flavor. A beloved family-style dinner, this dish brings people together with its familiar aroma and warm, satisfying taste. The straightforward technique and pantry-friendly ingredients make it an ideal weeknight meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- ¼ lb ground chuck
- 1 onion (small, diced)
- 5.5 oz tomato juice
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Water (for boiling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Dice onion.
- In a skillet, brown the ground chuck and diced onion over medium heat.
- Add tomato juice and stir well.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Break spaghetti in half.
- Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender.
- Drain well.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce.
- Toss to coat and serve warm.
Tips
- Add garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Substitute tomato sauce for a thicker texture.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 332mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 176IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg
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