Spaghetti with Semi-Homemade Meat Sauce

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option with added nutrients, while a cheese blend can be more affordable.

In a large pot put water on to boil for your pasta... be sure to salt the water generously. The water should taste like sea water!

In a separate large sauté pan with high sides or a sauce pot, over medium heat, add olive oil.

Add the ground beef and cook through while crumbling. If there is excess grease drain it off before moving on.

Next add the onions and garlic and saute until they are softening, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Warm the spices through for 1 minute.

Pour in the marinara, then add 1/3 cup water the empty marinara jar and give it a shake to get all the flavor out of the jar. Pour that into the sauce. (could also use red wine in place of water in this step)

Let the simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook the pasta in the boiling water at this time, following box instructions :)

Drain the pasta, and mix it in the sauce or serve it on the side for people to dish themselves. Serve with parmesan cheese on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens