Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce: Calorie Content and Recipe

Spaghetti meat sauce is a classic, comforting dish that is loved by many. It is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it is especially popular for topping a plate of piping hot spaghetti. While a jar of store-bought sauce may be convenient, making your own homemade spaghetti meat sauce not only tastes better, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and nutrition content. Many people are concerned about the calorie content of homemade spaghetti meat sauce, so let’s take a closer look at this.

The calorie content of homemade spaghetti meat sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. A basic homemade spaghetti meat sauce made with lean ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning has around 150 calories per 1/2 cup serving. Adding extra ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, or using a higher fat content ground beef can increase the calorie content. However, by using lean protein, and avoiding excessive use of fats and cheese, homemade spaghetti meat sauce can be a relatively low calorie and nutritious option for a meal.

Here is a simple and delicious recipe for homemade spaghetti meat sauce:

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes)
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Return the browned ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, add the sugar and red wine.

4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop.

5. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve over your favorite cooked pasta.

This homemade spaghetti meat sauce is a flavorful and nutritious option for topping your favorite pasta. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it a great option for a healthy meal. Enjoy!