Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further than spaghetti with ground beef and Prego sauce!
This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be whipped up in no time. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this tasty dish, including some pro tips to take your spaghetti game to the next level. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Make Spaghetti With Ground Beef And Prego Sauce?
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and cook the onions until they become translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then add in garlic and cook for an additional minute. Finally, add in the ground beef and seasonings and cook until the beef has browned.
Step 2: Add Spaghetti Sauce and Simmer
Once the beef is browned, add in your favorite jar of spaghetti sauce. We recommend Prego Meat Sauce for its rich flavor and texture. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously for added flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the pot with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in sauce. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious spaghetti dish with ground beef and Prego sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Ground Beef – You will need 1 pound of extra lean ground beef (85% lean) to make this recipe. You can adjust the amount of beef according to your preference.
2. Onion – You will need a white onion, finely chopped. However, if you prefer yellow onion, you can use that instead.
3. Garlic Paste – You will need garlic paste or garlic cloves to add flavor to your dish.
4. Brown Sugar – This ingredient will sweeten the spaghetti sauce and give it a rich taste.
5. Pasta Sauce – You can use your favorite jar of spaghetti sauce for this recipe. We recommend Prego Meat Sauce for its delicious taste and texture.
Pro Tips:
• Don’t forget to add shredded parmesan cheese as a topping for all the cheese lovers out there.
• If you want to make this dish vegan, you can substitute the ground beef with chopped mushrooms.
• If you decide to use onion powder or garlic powder instead of fresh onions or garlic, be careful not to over-season your dish.
Preparing The Ground Beef
Before you start cooking your ground beef, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, choose a heavy skillet like stainless steel or cast iron. These materials will give your meat a beautiful brown sear that non-stick pans can’t match. If you’re using a non-stick pan, you can skip the oil unless you’re using extra-lean ground beef.
Next, heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or your favorite cooking oil. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it up into pieces. Don’t move the meat around too much at first – let it brown without touching it for about five minutes. This will give the meat more contact with the pan and create a delicious crust.
After five minutes, sprinkle salt and any other seasonings you like, such as taco seasoning or Italian herbs. Continue to let the meat brown, stirring once every minute until all the moisture has evaporated. Make sure there are no signs of pink and break up any larger pieces.
Once the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned, it’s time to drain the fat. You can do this by placing a colander over a bowl and pouring the beef into it. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow any excess fat to drain off. If you want to reduce the fat content even more, you can rinse the cooked beef with hot water in the colander before draining it.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly browned and seasoned ground beef that’s ready to be added to your spaghetti sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking The Spaghetti
Cooking the spaghetti is an essential step in making a delicious spaghetti dish. Here are some tips to ensure that your spaghetti noodles are cooked perfectly:
1. Use a large pot: It is important to use a large pot when cooking spaghetti as it gives the pasta enough room to move and expand while cooking. This helps to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
2. Add salt to the water: Add a tablespoon of salt to the water before adding the spaghetti noodles. This not only adds flavor but also helps to cook the pasta evenly.
3. Cook until al dente: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, but start checking for doneness 2 minutes before the suggested al dente time. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite.
4. Reserve some cooking water: Before draining the pasta, reserve up to 1 cup of cooking water. This starchy water can be used to thin out and add flavor to your sauce.
5. Toss with sauce: Once your noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the pot with your meat sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in sauce.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your spaghetti noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed with your delicious Prego meat sauce and ground beef.
Mixing In The Prego Sauce
Prego sauce is a great shortcut to add flavor to your spaghetti with ground beef dish. The tomato-based sauce is made with garlic, onions, and herbs, and it comes in a variety of flavors such as Italian, garlic, and Parmesan. Adding Prego sauce to your spaghetti with ground beef will give it a boost of flavor and make it more delicious.
To mix in the Prego sauce, start by browning the ground beef in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the beef is browned, add in your preferred flavor of Prego sauce. Mix everything together until the beef is coated in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously for added flavor.
Once your noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the pot with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in sauce. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese on top.
Mixing in the Prego sauce is an easy way to add depth of flavor to your spaghetti with ground beef dish without having to make your own sauce from scratch. It’s a quick and easy shortcut that will make your meal taste like it’s been cooking for hours.
Tips For Perfecting Your Spaghetti Game
If you want to take your spaghetti game to the next level, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Sealed Pasta: Always buy pasta that comes in an airtight sealed bag. This will keep the pasta fresh and flavorful for up to three days.
2. Salt Your Pasta Water: Before adding the pasta to the boiling water, add a generous amount of salt to the pot. This will help flavor the pasta and prevent it from becoming bland.
3. Finish Pasta in Sauce: Instead of simply pouring sauce over your cooked pasta, try finishing the pasta in the sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb all the flavors of the sauce and results in a more cohesive dish.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Letting your sauce simmer for a while will help all the flavors meld together and create a richer, more complex flavor.
5. Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it when you bite into it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and flavorful spaghetti dish every time.
Serving And Enjoying Your Meal
Now that your spaghetti with ground beef and Prego sauce is ready, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation! Here are some tips for serving and enjoying your meal:
1. Portion Control: Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to measure out your portions. This will help you keep track of your calorie intake and prevent overeating.
2. Add Some Greens: Serve your spaghetti with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to add some extra nutrition to your meal.
3. Garlic Bread: No Italian meal is complete without some garlic bread! Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a tasty addition to your meal.
4. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
5. Thinner Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add in 1/2 cup of the pasta water before simmering. This will help thin out the sauce and make it easier to coat the noodles.
Remember, spaghetti with ground beef and Prego sauce is a classic dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
