Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef
A quick, nourishing mushroom spaghetti sauce featuring lean ground beef, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. High in protein, fiber-rich, and low in saturated fat, this versatile sauce is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon (or spatula)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion about 1 cup, diced
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups mushrooms diced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce your choice
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Shredded parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Start by gathering your aromatics: onion and garlic. Dice the yellow onion finely until you have about 1 cup.Press or mince 4 cloves of garlic. These ingredients form the flavor foundation of your sauce, releasing sweetness and aroma as they cook.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large pot over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to warm for about 1–2 minutes until it glistens and moves easily when you tilt the pot. Olive oil provides healthy fats that enrich the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and pressed garlic to the heated oil. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter. This step infuses the oil with rich flavor that will coat every bite of your sauce.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart gently with your spoon or spatula. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the sauce light while maintaining its savory depth.
- Add Mushrooms and Seasonings: Add 2 cups of diced mushrooms to the cooked beef along with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine. Sauté the mixture for 4–5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture, which blends beautifully with the beef for a rich, umami-packed sauce.
- Incorporate the Marinara Sauce: Pour in 3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and 1 cup of reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sauce has a smooth consistency. The pasta water helps the sauce cling better to the spaghetti, creating a cohesive, velvety texture.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle low boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Keep the pot uncovered and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The slow simmer ensures that each bite bursts with rich, balanced flavor.
- Enhance with Balsamic Vinegar and Spice: Once simmered, stir in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to add a subtle tang and depth to the sauce. If you like a hint of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste. This step transforms the sauce from simple to gourmet, layering complexity with minimal effort.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your sauce carefully. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. This is the moment to balance the flavors exactly to your liking, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly seasoned.
- Serve Over Spaghetti: Cook your favorite spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Plate the spaghetti and generously spoon the mushroom and beef sauce over the top, allowing it to coat every strand.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Finish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. The basil adds a bright, herbaceous note, while the parmesan contributes a creamy, salty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy a hearty, protein-packed, fiber-rich meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Notes
- For extra flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer on low heat; this deepens the umami from mushrooms and beef.
- Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, button, or portobello) for richer texture and taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in saturated fat but still protein-rich; you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—balsamic vinegar, salt, or pepper can be tweaked to preference.
- Optional: add a splash of red wine when sautéing the mushrooms for extra depth.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms.
