Description
The Bear Spaghetti is a hearty Italian-American pasta dish featuring a rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly coating al dente spaghetti. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting main course offers a satisfying balance of savory meat and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the flavorful meat sauce.
- Serve: Portion the spaghetti into serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter into the sauce just before serving.
- Optional additions like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can add texture and enhance flavor.
