Easy Spaghetti
User Reviews
4.7
Easy Spaghetti
Description
This Easy Spaghetti recipe uses Barilla® Pronto® Half-Cut spaghetti cooked by boiling in a measured amount of water until absorbed, resulting in perfectly tender pasta. Ground beef is browned separately, then combined with a tomato and basil pasta sauce to create a simple meat sauce. The pasta and sauce are mixed together in the skillet to blend flavors before serving.
The dish features a balanced texture with the firm pasta and savory ground beef sauce. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese are optional but add fresh herbal notes and richness. Cooking the pasta by water absorption saves draining steps and helps the noodles better integrate with the sauce.
This recipe serves as a convenient everyday meal that pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers store well refrigerated and can be frozen for longer storage, reheated gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Using lean ground beef minimizes the need to drain fat, simplifying preparation. Monitoring pasta doneness during cooking ensures the ideal al dente bite. Fresh herbs and cheese garnishes can be adjusted to personal taste.
Ingredients
- spaghetti Barilla® Pronto® Half-Cut, 12-ounce box
- pinch salt optional to taste
- 1 pound ground beef I used and recommend 90% lean so you don’t have to drain it, or ground sirloin
- tomato and basil pasta sauce Barilla® brand, 24-ounce jar, or your favorite sauce
- basil optional, fresh, finely chopped, for garnishing
- Parmesan Cheese optional, freshly grated for garnishing
Instructions
- To a large pan, add the pasta, cover with 3 cups cold water, optional salt to taste, and boil over high heat until water has absorbed, about 10 minutes, but watch your pasta and cook as needed until al dente. While pasta boils, brown the ground beef.
- To a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- After beef has cooked through, add the pasta sauce, stir to combine, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- After pasta has cooked for about 10 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed, add the sauce over the pasta and toss to combine in the skillet or alternatively plate the pasta and add sauce to each individual plate as desired.
- Optionally garnish with basil and Parmesan to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store any leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to preserve texture.
- Using 90% lean ground beef reduces the need for draining excess fat after cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 75mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 364mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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