Ingredients and Weight:
- Spaghetti: 400 grams (cooked)
- Fresh Tomatoes: 1 kg (about 8-10 medium-sized)
- Ground Beef: 500 grams
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Water or beef broth: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including cooking time)
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Raise the heat and add the ground beef. Brown the meat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the meat is cooked through, add the chopped fresh tomatoes and their juice.
- Add oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to adjust flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is thick and flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve over cooked spaghetti.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving (depending on the amount of added oil and meat)
Fat: 20-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Protein: 20-30 grams (including meat)
Fiber: 5-7 grams (including vegetables)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful sauce made from fresh tomatoes.
- Hearty and satisfying with the addition of ground beef.
- Can be customized with different meats or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Ideal for a family meal or dinner party.
User Comments:
- "This sauce was so delicious! The fresh tomatoes made it taste so much better than store-bought jars." - John Doe
- "My family loved this dish. The sauce was rich and flavorful, and the spaghetti was cooked to perfection." - Jane Smith
- "I added some mushroom and bell peppers for a more vegetarian option, still tasted great!" - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use ripe and fresh tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as you cook.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cooked sauce with an immersion blender or food processor before serving.
