Southern style spaghetti

This Southern-Style Spaghetti is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with a thick, slow-simmered meat sauce — the kind your grandma used to make! Unlike Italian-style spaghetti, this version is bolder, slightly sweet, and made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a touch of Southern seasoning. It’s simple, filling, and pure comfort food.

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Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Saucepan
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half sausage)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild Southern kick)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Serving:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but classic in Southern homes)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for the best flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: A Southern twist — melted right on top before serving.
• Sugar: Just a touch enhances the sauce and balances the tomato acidity.

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables:
   Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and rich in flavor.
6. Combine and Serve:
   Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles into the sauce or serve the sauce on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with parsley.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g

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Tips and Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Cheesy Bake Option: Layer cooked spaghetti and sauce in a baking dish, top with cheddar, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Add Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep!