Granny’s Spaghetti Recipe ๐
Overview:
Granny’s spaghetti recipe is a cherished family favorite, originating from the heartland of Oklahoma. This revised version, tailored to suit the tastes of a modern family, omits meatballs in favor of a hearty meat sauce that promises to delight both adults and children alike. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s dive into the details!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Ingredients:
- 1 package of spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 can (approximately 15 ounces) tomato juice
- 1 can (approximately 6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 to 1 cup of water (adjust to desired consistency)
- Optional: V-8 juice can be used instead of tomato juice
Instructions:
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Cook Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. This usually involves boiling water and adding the spaghetti, cooking until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Meat Mixture: While the spaghetti is cooking, it’s time to prepare the meat mixture. In a large skillet or saucepan, start browning the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, finely chop the onion and green bell pepper.
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Add Vegetables: Once the ground beef is partially cooked, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then add the tomato juice, tomato paste, and water to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
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Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Once the sauce has simmered to your desired consistency and flavor, it’s time to serve! Spoon the meat sauce generously over the cooked spaghetti, and garnish with grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
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Optional Variation: If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, consider using V-8 juice instead of tomato juice for a tangy twist to the sauce. Simply substitute the same amount of V-8 juice for the tomato juice in the recipe.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 515.7
- Fat: 18.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6.9g
- Cholesterol: 77.1mg
- Sodium: 643.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.8g
- Fiber: 4.7g
- Sugar: 10.4g
- Protein: 31.3g
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef entirely and bulk up the sauce with additional vegetables or meat substitutes such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
- Serve Granny’s spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family!