Growing up, my mom’s German Spaghetti was always a family favorite. There’s just something so satisfying about the rich, creamy sauce and the tender spaghetti noodles. It’s a dish that transports me back to cozy evenings around the dinner table, filled with laughter and warmth. To this day, whenever I crave a comforting and nostalgic meal, German Spaghetti is the first thing that comes to mind.
Why This German Spaghetti Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect German Spaghetti
What sets this German Spaghetti recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the combination of the savory ground beef, the tangy tomato sauce, and the rich, creamy finish. By simmering the sauce to let the flavors meld together, you end up with a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. The addition of freshly chopped parsley also adds a bright, herbaceous note that ties the whole thing together beautifully.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this German Spaghetti, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: The foundation of the dish, the spaghetti noodles provide the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: This adds a savory, meaty element that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 onion, diced: Onions contribute a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any good pasta dish, providing a aromatic base.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: The tomato sauce gives the dish its signature tangy, tomatoey flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxuriously creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the dish and bring out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley: The fresh herb brightens up the dish and provides a beautiful finishing touch.
Step-by-Step German Spaghetti Instructions
Preparing Your German Spaghetti
This German Spaghetti recipe comes together quickly, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 35 minutes. You’ll need a large pot, a skillet, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns, for 5-7 minutes.
3- Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4- Stir in the can of tomato sauce and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
6- Remove from heat, and stir in the salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti – aim for al dente texture. Overcooked noodles can become mushy in the sauce.
- Resist the urge to skimp on the heavy cream – it’s what gives the sauce its signature creaminess.
- Be generous with the garlic and onions – they provide the backbone of flavor in this dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or parsley to suit your personal preferences.
Serving and Storing Your German Spaghetti
Perfect Pairings for German Spaghetti
This German Spaghetti recipe serves 6 generous portions, making it a great option for family dinners or casual gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, you could also serve it alongside a light, fresh side like roasted vegetables or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. As for beverages, a dry white wine or an ice-cold beer would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this German Spaghetti will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store the cooled pasta and sauce in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
For longer-term storage, this dish also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for German Spaghetti
Creative German Spaghetti Variations
While the classic version is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on German Spaghetti. Try swapping in ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta, for a twist on the creamy sauce. For a touch of brightness, stir in some freshly chopped basil or oregano along with the parsley. And in the warmer months, you could even grill or roast some vegetables to mix in for extra flavor and texture.
Making German Spaghetti Diet-Friendly
To make this dish a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti noodles. If you’re watching your carbs, you could serve the creamy beef sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. And for a dairy-free take, simply swap out the heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage would both work well as substitutes for the ground beef in this recipe.
Q: How long does it take to make this German Spaghetti recipe?
A: This recipe has a total time of 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this German Spaghetti recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How much does this German Spaghetti recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 6 generous servings, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week.
Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes longer to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
German Spaghetti
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the comforting and flavorful German Spaghetti, a quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring ground beef, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 pound spaghetti noodles
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve the German Spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add a dash of paprika or nutmeg for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Pasta & Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Conclusion
This German Spaghetti recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender spaghetti noodles, and bright, herbaceous finish, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining a crowd, this German Spaghetti is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.
