Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. Many people have fond memories of this delicious meal, whether it was made by a loving parent or shared among friends during a cozy family dinner. The simplicity and richness of this dish make it a favorite for all ages. It’s a recipe that combines basic ingredients with a burst of flavor in every bite. When you try Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re experiencing comfort in a bowl.
When you cook this dish, it fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas of sautéed vegetables and simmering tomatoes. It’s easy to whip together on a busy weeknight or to impress guests at a gathering. This recipe is worth trying because it’s not only tasty but also brings family and friends together around the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it is easy to make. The ingredients are simple and generally inexpensive, making it easy on the wallet. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this dish together. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can follow the straightforward steps and create something delicious.
This recipe also brings family values into cooking. It’s the kind of meal that everyone can enjoy, from kids to grandparents. When you sit down to a plate of this hearty pasta, you’re likely to hear laughter and share stories of old. It creates a warm atmosphere that makes dinner time special, allowing families to bond over good food and good conversation.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Whether someone prefers a little spice or has specific food restrictions, Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti can adapt to fit everyone’s needs. By preparing this dish, you’re not just making a meal; you’re creating happy memories and bringing everyone together.
How to Make Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti
Making Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is a delightful journey. First, you’ll start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet, and as it warms up, you’ll begin to smell its rich aroma. Then, you add onions and green peppers, listening to their satisfying sizzle as they soften. This is the moment when the magic begins! Stir in the minced garlic, and the aroma will make your mouth water in anticipation.
Once those veggies are settled, it’s time to add the ground chuck. You break it apart with a spatula, and soon you have a savory base that’s beautifully browned. The colors in the skillet become brighter, creating an inviting scene that feels like home.
After the meat is cooked, you’ll combine canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stirring everything together brings joy as the vibrant red hues swirl in harmony. Allow it to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. You may find yourself peeking into the skillet occasionally, mouth watering as it bubbles away.
Serving this dish is equally heartwarming. Picture the moment when you spoon the colorful mixture over a mound of spaghetti. The warmth of the meal radiates as you serve it, and you can’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing you have made something delicious that will nourish those you love.
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti and what each one contributes to this wonderful dish:
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907 grams ground chuck: This is the base of the recipe. It provides a rich, meaty flavor and makes the sauce hearty.
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400 grams diced tomatoes (1 can): These brighten the sauce. They add freshness and a bit of sweetness.
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400 grams crushed tomatoes (1 can): This ingredient gives the sauce its thick consistency, making it more enjoyable to pour over pasta.
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800 grams tomato sauce (2 cans total): Tomato sauce fills out the flavor profile, binding all the ingredients together with a smooth texture.
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3 tablespoons olive oil: This is the foundation for sautéing the vegetables. It adds a touch of richness and healthy fats.
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5 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic delivers a wonderful aroma and provides a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
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1 large onion or 2 medium onions, diced: Onions create a sweet undertone as they cook down. They add depth and a satisfying softness to the sauce.
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1 green pepper, diced: This adds a pop of color and a slight crunch. Green pepper contributes a fresh, slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Feel free to switch things up! If you don’t have ground chuck, you might use ground turkey or chicken. You can also choose low-sodium canned tomatoes if you’re watching your salt intake. For a dairy-free version, you might skip cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
Directions
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti together. Here’s how to create this wonderful dish:
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Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Once it’s warm, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onions and green pepper to the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to let their flavors meld together.
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Add the Garlic: Once the onions and peppers are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much; this can make the garlic taste bitter.
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Cook the Ground Chuck: Now, add the 907 grams of ground chuck to the skillet. Use your spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is browned evenly, which should take about 7-10 minutes. If you notice excess fat in the skillet, you can drain it to avoid a greasy sauce.
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Combine the Tomatoes: After the meat is fully cooked, it’s time to mix in the canned tomatoes. Add the 400 grams of diced tomatoes, 400 grams of crushed tomatoes, and 800 grams of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat slightly and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken beautifully and the flavors will deepen.
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Serve: While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. When both the sauce and pasta are ready, serve a generous portion of the sauce over the spaghetti. You can sprinkle some grated cheese on top if you like.
Enjoy your homemade Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti! Remember, your kitchen will be filled with wonderful smells, and soon the family will gather around to enjoy this hearty meal.
How to Serve Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti
Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is very versatile and can be served on many occasions. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but quick to make. This dish can even shine during a gathering with friends or family. You can set it out on the dining table, letting everyone serve themselves for a relaxed meal.
As for drink pairings, a nice glass of iced tea or lemonade compliments this dish well. If you’re feeling festive, serve some warm garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side. Sometimes, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can elevate the presentation even more, making the dish visually appealing.
Don’t forget, Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti can be enjoyed during any season. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening when you crave warmth or a laid-back summer get-together, this meal fits the bill perfectly.
How to Store Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti
If you happen to have leftovers (which is always a pleasant surprise!), storing your Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is easy. Let the dish cool down to room temperature before you put it away. This prevents condensation from building up in the storage container.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the spaghetti! Just scoop it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can last about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat your Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti, you have two great options. You can either microwave it in a safe bowl for a couple of minutes or warm it up gently on the stovetop. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of water or tomato sauce while reheating to bring back its delicious moisture.
Tips to Make Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti
To ensure your Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
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Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Give your onions and peppers enough time to soften. This adds sweetness to your sauce.
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Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible: Fresh garlic and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your dish.
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Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your sauce as it simmers. You can add more salt or spices according to your preference.
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Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente: This means cooking the pasta until it is firm to the bite. It won’t get mushy when you combine it with the sauce.
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Let It Simmer: The longer you allow the sauce to simmer, the better it tastes. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
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Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, this dish can be made ahead. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Variation
Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti can be tweaked in several fun ways:
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat. This will give a nice kick to your spaghetti.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chuck with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. This will make the dish hearty and still satisfying.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti if you need to avoid gluten. The sauce remains the same and is inherently gluten-free.
Feel free to experiment and find the combination that your family loves best!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this dish ahead of time! Prepare it a day or two in advance, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is either on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using a stovetop, gently heat on low and stir occasionally. In the microwave, heat it in short increments, stirring in between.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of ground chuck?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the protein you choose.
Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that wraps you in warmth and flavor. With easy steps, simple ingredients, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a recipe worth adding to your kitchen repertoire. Happy cooking!
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Classic Comfort Skillet Spaghetti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A heartwarming dish filled with flavor, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 907 grams ground chuck
- 400 grams diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 800 grams tomato sauce (2 cans)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and green pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chuck and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 7-10 minutes).
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti as per package instructions.
- Serve the sauce over the spaghetti and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize with spices or alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, comfort food, family recipe, easy dinner, spaghetti