If you’re a fan of spaghetti, you know that the absolute key to a delicious plate of pasta lies in the homemade meat sauce. While it’s easy to just buy a jar of pre-made sauce, making your own allows for much more control over the ingredients and calories in your meal. Here, we’ll break down the calorie count of a homemade meat sauce spaghetti and share a delicious sauce recipe to make at home.

When it comes to counting calories, it’s important to break down the main components of your meal. For a plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, the calorie count will primarily come from the pasta, the meat, and the sauce.

In a typical plate of spaghetti with meat sauce (1 cup of cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of meat sauce), you can expect to consume around 450-550 calories. Of course, this can vary depending on the type of pasta you use, the leaness of the meat, and the ingredients in the sauce. To make a lower calorie option, you can use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and load up your sauce with vegetables to add volume and nutrients without a ton of extra calories.

Here’s a delicious homemade meat sauce recipe that you can try at home. This sauce makes about 6 cups and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Homemade Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove any excess fat from the pot.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

This homemade meat sauce is full of flavor and can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. By making your own sauce at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure that you’re consuming a healthier and more nutritious meal. With the right ingredients and portion control, a plate of spaghetti with homemade meat sauce can be a satisfying and guilt-free way to indulge in Italian comfort food. So next time you’re craving a hearty plate of pasta, consider making your own meat sauce and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.