Spaghetti meat sauce is a classic and comforting dish that is loved by people of all ages. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, a flavorful and hearty spaghetti meat sauce never fails to please. However, for those who are conscious of their calorie intake, it can be challenging to enjoy this delicious dish while keeping track of the calories.
One way to overcome this challenge is by preparing a homemade spaghetti meat sauce and carefully tracking the calories in each ingredient. By doing so, you can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing the taste and satisfaction of this beloved dish.
To help you with this, here is a homemade spaghetti meat sauce recipe with all the details, including the calorie count for each ingredient.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (calories: 388 per 4 oz)
– 1 onion, finely chopped (calories: 44 per 1 medium onion)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (calories: 4 per 3 cloves)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (calories: 100 per 1 cup)
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste (calories: 139 per 6 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (calories: 119 per tablespoon)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– 1 pound spaghetti (calories: 220 per 2 oz)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor, stirring occasionally.
6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Once the sauce is ready, serve it over the cooked spaghetti and enjoy!
Total calorie count for the entire recipe (sauce only):
– Ground beef: 776 calories
– Onion: 44 calories
– Garlic: 4 calories
– Crushed tomatoes: 200 calories
– Tomato paste: 139 calories
– Olive oil: 119 calories
– Spices: negligible calories
Total: 1,282 calories
By using this detailed recipe and knowing the calorie count for each ingredient, you can easily track the calories in your homemade spaghetti meat sauce. You can also make adjustments to the recipe, such as using lean ground beef, adding more vegetables, or reducing the amount of oil, to better fit your dietary needs. With a little bit of effort, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing its deliciousness.