Easy and Delicious Hooked Up Spaghetti
In the realm of comfort food, nothing quite matches the allure of a hearty plate of spaghetti. Our recipe for Easy and Delicious Hooked Up Spaghetti takes this classic dish to new heights with a mouthwatering blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato flavors, and a splash of red wine. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also guarantees a delicious meal that will become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece.
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Ingredients for a Flavorful Experience
To create this unforgettable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Italian sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 28 ounces (1 can) |
| Red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Oat milk (or regular milk) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) | For garnish |
| Spaghetti | 1 pound |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Cook the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of Italian sausage. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. This mixture of meats adds a delightful depth of flavor to the dish. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
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2. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens in color. This step intensifies the tomato flavor, creating a rich base for the sauce. Next, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of red wine, stirring to combine. The red wine adds a sophisticated note, elevating the sauce’s complexity.
3. Creamy and Flavorful Sauce
To keep the sauce light and creamy, add 1 cup of oat milk. If you prefer a richer taste, regular milk is a great alternative. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Stir well to combine all the flavors, ensuring a well-balanced sauce.
4. Simmering for Perfection
Return the cooked ground beef and sausage to the skillet, stirring to incorporate the meat into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a rich and harmonious sauce. This step is crucial for achieving the depth of flavor that makes this dish stand out.
5. Cooking the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente pasta provides the perfect texture to absorb the sauce while maintaining a slight firmness. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set aside.
6. Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This addition gives the sauce a luxurious, creamy texture and a savory umami boost. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well coated, ensuring each strand is enveloped in the delicious sauce.
7. Garnishing and Serving
Serve the hooked up spaghetti in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These herbs add a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. The combination of melted cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta creates an irresistible dish that’s sure to please.
