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Homemade Kid-Friendly Spaghetti photo
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Kid-Friendly Spaghetti

A classic, mild spaghetti with beef in a simple tomato sauce that kids love.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80% lean/20% fat)
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 2 cubes beef bouillon or use 2 cups beef broth and omit hot water
  • 8 ounces can tomato sauce
  • 6 ounces can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • pinch garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 ounces spaghetti 1 package

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 8–10 minutes; drain excess fat.
  • While the beef cooks, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in the hot water (or use prepared beef broth) and pour into the skillet with the meat.
  • Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined.
  • Bring the sauce to a low simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Several minutes before the sauce is done, cook the spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.
  • Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce; toss to coat evenly.
  • Serve hot and top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Notes

  • If using dry herbs, add them at the beginning; add fresh herbs toward the end.
  • Add 1 tablespoon salt to the pasta water to season the noodles.
  • To balance sauce acidity, add sugar or shredded carrots.
  • For lower carbs, use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles as an alternative.