Best 8 Hearty Spaghetti Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with hearty spaghetti, a timeless classic that has tantalized taste buds for generations. Whether you prefer traditional Italian flavors or crave an innovative twist, discover the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Dive into a world of rich sauces, succulent meats, and al dente pasta, as we guide you through a symphony of flavors that will leave you yearning for more. From classic Bolognese to creamy carbonara, each bite promises an explosion of textures and aromas, making hearty spaghetti the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

HEARTY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE



Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole image

This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty and homey that second helpings are a must! -Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into 3-inch pieces
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup 2% milk
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1-1/2 teaspoons steak seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, soup, milk, onion, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, mushrooms, peppers, mayonnaise, steak seasoning and basil., Drain spaghetti. Add to chicken mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer., Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake as directed, increasing time as needed to heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549 calories, Fat 25g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 957mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 38g protein.

HEARTY LENTIL SPAGHETTI



Hearty Lentil Spaghetti image

"You won't miss any meat in this spaghetti sauce," writes Marie Bender of Henderson, Nevada. Packed full of lentils and Italian flavors, this sauce is thick, hearty and zesty.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the lentils, broth, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until lentils are tender. , Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, basil and oregano. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes., Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Serve with lentil sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 764mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 14g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

HEARTY HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce image

After years of experimenting, my mom has perfected her hearty spaghetti sauce recipe. It's excellent served with a tossed salad and garlic bread. Although the recipe makes more than two servings, it freezes well. -Jennifer Shaw, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked spaghetti
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook the beef, peppers, celery, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the mushrooms; cook for 2 minutes. , Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, bay leaf, sugar, salt, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring often. Discard bay leaf. Serve sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 424mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MOM'S HEARTY SPAGHETTI



Mom's Hearty Spaghetti image

Flavored with Italian sausage and dotted with tender meatballs, the savory from-scratch sauce made this dish one of my mom's most-requested. We five kids were always thrilled to hear it was on the menu. -Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1 pound ground beef
SAUCE:
1 pound Italian sausage links, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons each dried basil, oregano and parsley flakes
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot cooked spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. add beef and mix well. Shape into eight meatballs. Brown in a Dutch oven over medium heat; drain and set meatballs aside. , In the same pan, cook sausage, onion and green pepper until vegetables are tender; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, garlic and seasonings. Add meatballs; stir gently. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 hours. Serve over spaghetti; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

HEARTY GARDEN SPAGHETTI



Hearty Garden Spaghetti image

My husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn't leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. -Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces uncooked multigrain spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook beef, onion and red pepper over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain., Add zucchini and mushrooms; cook 3-5 minutes longer or until tender. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions., Serve spaghetti with sauce and, if desired, cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 432 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 649mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HEARTY SPAGHETTI



Hearty Spaghetti image

Field editor Julia Livingston of Frostproof, Florida sent the recipe for this spaghetti that feeds a crowd. For easy transport, assemble pasta and sauce in an insulated carrier.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 25 servings (about 3/4 cup meat sauce with 3/4 cup spaghetti).

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 pounds ground beef
5 medium onions, chopped
1 bunch celery, chopped
8 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons salt
4 pounds uncooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In two large Dutch ovens or soup kettles, cook the beef, onions and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. , Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Serve with meat sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 1348mg sodium, Carbohydrate 66g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

HEARTY SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Hearty Spaghetti Sauce image

I received this recipe from my sister-in-law and use it all the time. The addition of pepperoni and cinnamon makes it extra special. My family says it's the best spaghetti sauce ever! -Wendy Prevost, Cody, Wyoming

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h15m

Yield 19 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
3 cans (28 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
3 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 cup water
2 packages (3 ounces each) sliced pepperoni, diced
2 tablespoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours or until sauce reaches desired consistency, stirring occasionally. , Discard bay leaves. Serve immediately. Or cool and pour into jars; cover and refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 139 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 447mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

HEARTY BACKYARD SPAGHETTI SAUCE FOR 50!



Hearty Backyard Spaghetti Sauce for 50! image

This is a stand-up, zesty sauce, with a wee bite! I crafted it for an annual spaghetti dinner. It is a sauce designed by a man, and prepared using those so stereotypically "male" cooking implements: the grill and the turkey fryer!

Provided by Special Ed

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 2h

Yield 75 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

10 lbs ground chuck (80% lean)
4 lbs Italian sausage (hot)
4 lbs Italian sausage (mild)
8 lbs white onions, diced
3 ounces oregano (1 small jar standard US grocery size)
1/2 ounce basil (1 small jar standard US grocery size)
200 ounces tomato puree (2- #10 cans)
200 ounces tomatoes, crushed (2- #10 cans)
1 head garlic, crushed
olive oil (for saute)

Steps:

  • Grill the sausages on a gas/charcoal grill. When done, slice into 1/4" coins.
  • Saute onions until translucent in pot.
  • Add garlic, and ground beef, and brown the beef.
  • Add both tomato products.
  • Add sausage, basil, and oregano.
  • Simmer for 60-90 minutes.

Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This means using fresh, ripe tomatoes, flavorful olive oil, and a good-quality Parmesan cheese.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When cooking the spaghetti, make sure to use a large enough pot so that the pasta has plenty of room to cook. Overcrowding the pan will cause the pasta to cook unevenly.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and bland.
  • Don't rinse the pasta. Rinsing the pasta after cooking will remove the starch, which is what helps the sauce stick to the pasta. If you must rinse the pasta, do so briefly under cold water.
  • Use a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what really makes a spaghetti dish special. Use a sauce that is packed with flavor, such as a tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
  • Serve the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch for a spaghetti dish. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other flavors in the dish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different variations of spaghetti out there, there is sure to be a recipe that everyone will love. Whether you like your spaghetti with a simple tomato sauce or a more complex sauce made with meat and vegetables, you are sure to find a recipe that you will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give spaghetti a try. You won't be disappointed!

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