Kid-Friendly Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
45 mins
-
Total Time
50 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
200 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Kid-Friendly Spaghetti
Description
This recipe starts by browning lean ground beef in a skillet, draining the fat, then adding hot water with beef bouillon cubes to enrich the sauce. Tomato sauce and paste provide a dense, tomato-rich base. Mild herbs like basil and oregano, along with a pinch of garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper, round out the flavor. The sauce simmers gently to blend and mellow the seasonings. Spaghetti noodles cook separately and are combined with the sauce just before serving, allowing the pasta to absorb flavor without becoming soft.
The dish results in a classic spaghetti with meat sauce that balances savory, slightly sweet, and herbal notes suitable for children’s palates. It can be garnished with Parmesan cheese for added richness and serves as a filling and approachable meal option.
Variations include making it meatless by omitting beef and using olive oil or preparing low-carb versions by substituting noodles. The sauce freezes well and can be made ahead to deepen flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80 percent lean/20 percent fat
- 2 cups water hot
- 2 cubes beef bouillon or use 2 cups beef broth and omit hot water
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- garlic powder pinch
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large pan over medium heat, breaking into small pieces, until browned, 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water and add to meat. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- A few minutes before the sauce is done, cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the sauce, tossing to coat. Top with Parmesan.
Notes
- Make the sauce ahead, cool it, and freeze for up to 6 months for convenient meals.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add a tablespoon of olive oil before other ingredients; meatballs can be served on the side if desired.
- Low-carb substitutions include zucchini noodles, rice noodles, or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Simmering the sauce longer melds and intensifies the flavors for a richer taste.
- Add dry herbs early and fresh herbs late, and adjust seasonings to taste during cooking.
- Balancing acidity with sugar or shredded carrots can soften tomato tang.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 959mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 568mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 690IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 11.3mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
