Growing up in an Italian-American family, spaghetti night was always tomato sauce and meatballs – that’s just how it was. My mom never strayed from her tried-and-true recipe. But last year, I discovered ground lamb spaghetti at a friend’s house, and it completely changed my pasta game. The rich, slightly earthy flavor of lamb gives the dish a Mediterranean twist that even my traditional mom had to admit was really good.
Looking back, I can’t believe we limited ourselves to just one type of meat sauce all those years. Now when I make spaghetti, I often reach for ground lamb instead of beef. It’s familiar enough to feel like comfort food but different enough to make dinner feel special. And the best part? It’s just as easy to make as mom’s classic recipe.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground lamb, a key ingredient in this recipe, can be entirely replaced with ground beef for a more familiar flavor profile, or with plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times slightly, as beef may cook faster than lamb. The Italian turkey sausage can be substituted with regular pork Italian sausage for a richer flavor, or with vegan sausage to accommodate plant-based diets. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. For a gluten-free version, replace regular spaghetti noodles with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Cook according to package instructions, as gluten-free pasta often has different cooking times than wheat-based pasta. These substitutions maintain the dish’s overall texture and flavor while accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-75 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 120-140 g
- Fat: 90-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-170 g
Ingredients
- Ground lamb
- Ground turkey
- Italian turkey sausage
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Granulated sugar
- Crushed tomatoes (3 cans)
- Orange bell pepper (chopped)
- Yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- White onion (chopped)
- Tomato paste (1-2 cans)
- Fresh parmesan cheese
- Spaghetti noodles
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons)
- All-purpose italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Fresh basil (chopped)
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Texas toast
- For the salad:
- Bag of chopped carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 bag of salad lettuce
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
Begin by boiling water in a pot.
Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Add the spaghetti noodles to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the noodles sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes.
Drain the noodles, but do not rinse them to preserve the starch and help the sauce adhere better.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a separate pot, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until aromatic.
Add chopped orange and yellow bell peppers, and fresh basil, cooking until softened.
Stir in 3 cans of crushed tomatoes and season to taste.
Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to balance the acidity and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Add 1-2 cans of tomato paste to thicken the sauce, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
In a separate skillet, cook the Italian turkey sausage, ground lamb, and ground turkey until browned.
Season the meat with all-purpose Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley for added flavor.
Once the meat is cooked, add it to the simmering tomato sauce along with fresh parmesan cheese.
Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Salad
For a refreshing side, combine chopped carrots, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber in a bowl.
This simple salad adds a fresh and crunchy element to the meal.
Step 5: Prepare the Texas Toast
Follow the instructions on the Texas Toast package for preparation.
Typically, bake the Texas Toast for about 5 minutes at 450°F (232°C) until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, plate the spaghetti and top with the rich meat sauce.
Add a portion of the fresh salad on the side and a slice of warm, crispy Texas Toast.
Enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!
