Spaghetti with Ground Meat and Carrots

This delightful spaghetti dish combines the comforting flavors of ground meat and carrots, making it a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. The savory sauce, made with sautéed onions, garlic, and thyme, pairs perfectly with juicy canned tomatoes and rich vegetable broth. The dish is incredibly aromatic, with the spices enhancing the natural sweetness of the carrots. A sprinkle of grated semi-hard cheese adds a creamy finish, while the al dente spaghetti serves as the perfect vessel for the sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to experiment with different herbs for a unique twist. It's a versatile recipe that welcomes creativity and variations, catering to different taste buds. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this spaghetti dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Serve it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

400g spaghetti
400g ground meat
2 carrots
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 can (850g) canned tomatoes
0.5 cup vegetable broth

Spices and Sauces:

Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
30g semi-hard cheese
Thyme

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground meat and sauté until it begins to brown lightly.
While the meat is cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Grate or thinly slice the carrots.
Add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and thyme, and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.
Pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
Add the vegetable broth to the mixture and bring to a gentle simmer.
Allow the sauce to cook slowly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
If necessary, adjust the seasoning of the sauce with more salt and pepper.
Gently toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated.
Divide the spaghetti into four serving bowls.
Grate the semi-hard cheese over each serving, letting it melt slightly into the hot pasta.
Consider adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Serve immediately, allowing each portion to be individually garnished as desired.

Tips

Substitutions: You can use turkey or chicken mince for a lighter version.
Enhancements: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Techniques: Stirring occasionally prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 650 cal per serving
Protein: 30g
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 78g

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace ground meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.
Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
Add a side of garlic bread for extra indulgence.

Best Places

Barilla Restaurant - Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Location: Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Milan, Italy.
Pasta Lover's Haven - Cozy setting offering a wide variety of pasta dishes. Location: 9 Rue de Charonne, Paris, France.
The Spaghetti Spot - Known for its eclectic menu with global flavors. Location: 150 7th Avenue, New York, USA.
Carrot & Meat Bistro - Focuses on hearty, traditional recipes. Location: Queen Street, Ottawa, Canada.
La Dolce Vita Café - Charming spot with a focus on fresh ingredients. Location: 88 Oxford Street, Sydney, Australia.
Mediterranean Pasta House - Mediterranean influences in every dish. Location: Gran Via, Madrid, Spain.
Pasta Fiesta - Lively atmosphere and innovative pasta creations. Location: Kanda Station, Tokyo, Japan.
The Italian Corner - Family-friendly, rustic Italian meals. Location: High Road, London, UK.
Ristorante Alla Spiga - Elegant dining with a focus on classic recipes. Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy.
Bello's Italian Bistro - A balance of tradition and modern culinary techniques. Location: Main Street, Cape Town, South Africa.