Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
6
servings
1 lb

ground chuck

None

1 lb

onions

None

16 oz

tomato paste

None

16 oz

water

None

1 qt

tomatoes

None

1 unit

green pepper

None

1 tsp

chili powder

None

1.5 tsp

garlic salt

None

0.5 lb

sharp cheese

None

Step 1
~11 min

Brown ground chuck in a large pot or Dutch oven.

Step 2
~11 min

Add onions to the pot and cook until softened and translucent.

Step 3
~11 min

Stir in tomato paste, water, tomatoes, green pepper, chili powder, and garlic salt.

Step 4
~11 min

Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 5
~11 min

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or longer for a richer flavor.

Step 6
~11 min

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7
~11 min

Serve hot over spaghetti and top with sharp cheese.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar.

Add Italian herbs like oregano and basil for extra flavor.

Simmering the sauce for longer than 1 hour will result in a deeper, richer flavor.

Try adding a bay leaf during simmering and remove before serving.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Pair with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Green Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy/United States

Cultural Significance

A staple family dish, representing comfort and togetherness.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Sunday Dinners

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Weeknight Meal
Comfort Food

Popularity Score

75/100

More Italian-American Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian-American Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian-American
Medium
B+

Chicken Marsala

4.5
(1679 reviews)

A classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken cutlets in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

30 min
350 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A

Chicken Parmesan

4.1
(1159 reviews)

Classic Italian-American comfort food featuring breaded chicken breasts baked with tomato sauce and melted cheese, served over spaghetti.

45 min
600 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
80%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A+

Chicken Parmigiana

4.4
(561 reviews)

Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe with a crispy chicken base, flavorful spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

45 min
600 cal
Gluten-adaptable
70%
75
Italian-American
Easy
C+

Easy Chicken Parmesan

4.2
(1151 reviews)

A simple and delicious chicken parmesan recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

30 min
450 cal
High Protein
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A-

Spaghetti Sauce

4.2
(1697 reviews)

A homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, perfect for canning or immediate use. Simmered for 3 hours for rich flavor.

180 min
200 cal
Vegan
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A

Pollo al Marsala

4.4
(1367 reviews)

A classic Italian-American dish featuring chicken breasts in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots.

30 min
350 cal
Gluten-containing
70%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A+

Lobster With Creamy Garlic Linguine

4.3
(1530 reviews)

A decadent dish featuring succulent lobster in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, served over linguine with fresh pea pods.

45 min
650 cal
Pescatarian
60%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A-

Spaghetti Meat Sauce

4.1
(1765 reviews)

A classic and hearty spaghetti meat sauce, simmered for hours to develop a rich and complex flavor.

250 min
450 cal
75%
70