Simple 20 Minute Spaghetti

This recipe takes a classic, go-to spaghetti and makes a few tweaks to add feel-good nutrients like fiber, protein, and micronutrients! Such an easy and quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

What You’ll Need

• 1 lb. ground beef (or turkey or chicken)

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 can mushrooms

• 1 jar spaghetti sauce (I used Simply Ragu for no sugar added)

• 1-2 tbsp. tomato paste

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• Italian seasoning

• basil flakes

• whole wheat spaghetti noodles

Instructions

1. In a pan over medium heat, add chopped bell pepper and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes

2. Add ground beef and cook until meat is brown and crumbly. Drain excess grease

3. Pour in spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and can of mushrooms

4. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and basil flakes

5. Let simmer while noodles boil.

6. In a pot, boil noodles according to package or until al dente

Notes:

You can serve as is or add a side salad or other vegetable (asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, etc.)

Nutritional Benefits

This simple spaghetti recipe offers you a well-balanced meal consisting of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber to ensure you’re fueling your body properly, maintaining balanced blood sugars, keeping your heart healthy, and providing your body with the necessary nutrients it needs.

If you’re someone who is heart conscious and enjoys spaghetti weekly, I would encourage using a variety of proteins like turkey or chicken. You could even add in a can of can cannellini beans to add additional fiber and plant-based protein.

Adding easy ingredients like whole grains, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms bumps up the nutritional profile by adding vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber to a meal. This can help stabilize blood sugars, keep you feeling full for longer, and leads to more satisfaction in a meal.