Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti Meat Sauce features al dente spaghetti tossed in a savory tomato sauce rich with seasoned ground beef, garlic, and Italian herbs, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a hearty and comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving tongs
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) dry spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 (28 oz/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz/170g) can tomato paste
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Use fresh garlic and a medium yellow onion to enhance the depth of flavor in your meat sauce, as both ingredients are key for creating a rich base. Carefully measure dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to achieve the authentic Italian taste without overpowering the sauce. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to ensure a balanced and hearty tomato flavor in your spaghetti meat sauce. When cooking ground beef, brown it well in olive oil to develop savory notes that complement the sauce's seasoning. Your version of the spaghetti meat sauce from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu will closely mimic the authentic taste with these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- Salt the boiling water generously.
- Add dry spaghetti to the pot; cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion; sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan; cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley (if using).
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.
- Ladle spaghetti and sauce onto plates.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Substitution
Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti Meat Sauce can be customized by using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner version without compromising flavor. You can substitute fresh tomatoes blended in place of canned crushed tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste or have them on hand. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley or basil can serve as a suitable alternative to maintain herbal notes in the dish. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance or omit them entirely for a milder sauce. Your choice of pasta can also vary--try penne or rigatoni if spaghetti is unavailable, ensuring similar cooking times to achieve al dente texture.
Tips
Make sure to salt the boiling water generously before adding your spaghetti; it enhances the pasta's flavor and prevents stickiness. When browning the ground beef, break it up thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking and a better texture in your meat sauce. Simmer the sauce gently over low heat to allow the flavors of the tomatoes and Italian herbs to meld beautifully. Tossing your spaghetti with the sauce rather than simply ladling sauce on top helps your dish absorb more flavor, giving you a richer, more satisfying meal.
Nutritions
Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti Meat Sauce delivers protein from the 1 lb of ground beef, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The tomato base, made from crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste, provides vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which promote heart health. Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, aiding in nutrient absorption, while Parmesan cheese offers calcium and additional protein. Your meal balances carbohydrates from the spaghetti with essential nutrients, making it both hearty and nutritionally rounded.
Storage
Store leftover Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti Meat Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in meal-sized portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, labeling them with the date. When reheating your sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave on a low setting to preserve the texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a lighter or spicier flavor profile in your meat sauce. Instead of crushed tomatoes, try using fire-roasted tomatoes to add a smoky depth to the sauce. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese just before serving. To boost aroma, toast the dried herbs briefly in olive oil at the beginning of cooking, which enhances their essential oils and overall taste.
Allergies
Maggiano's Little Italy Spaghetti Meat Sauce contains Parmesan cheese, which could trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to dairy or lactose. The sauce includes garlic and onions, common allergens for those with allium sensitivities. If you have a known allergy to any of these ingredients or to beef, careful consideration is important before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Maggiano's Little Italy's Spaghetti Meat Sauce menu is beloved for its rich, homemade tomato sauce blended with savory ground beef and Italian herbs, delivering authentic Italian flavors in every bite. The dish balances hearty meatiness with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of palates. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste at home, controlling ingredient quality and customizing flavors to suit your preferences. Your kitchen can transform into a classic Italian trattoria, offering a delicious and cost-effective alternative to dining out.