Ah, spaghetti! It brings back so many fond memories from childhood. I can still hear the laughter around the dinner table and the delightful aroma of my mom’s signature marinara sauce simmering away on a chilly evening. There’s something about a big pot of spaghetti bubbling on the stove that instantly warms your heart and fills your home with a cozy vibe, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd. It’s perfect for everything from family gatherings to potlucks, and trust me, it will win over even the most discerning pasta lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to whip up and takes less than an hour!
• Perfect for feeding a large group without breaking the bank.
• Comforting and familiar flavors that everyone loves.
• Customizable to suit picky eaters or dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty and delicious dish:

• 2 lbs spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 2 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both for extra flavor)
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Start the sauce: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent. The smell will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug!
3. Add the garlic and meat: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—watch it closely, we don’t want it to burn! Then, crumble in the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Incorporate the tomatoes: Once the meat is cooked through, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring this glorious mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors become! If it seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Mix everything together: After the sauce has simmered, add the cooked spaghetti back into the pot. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce. If it looks a little dry, feel free to add more of that reserved pasta water!
6. Serve it up! It’s time to dig in! Serve the spaghetti in large bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if you like. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Pro Tips & Variations

Your kitchen is your playground! Here are some fun twists and tips to keep things interesting:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meat for 2 cans of chickpeas or lentils for a hearty and protein-filled alternative. Don’t forget the veggies! Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. You can even toss in some chopped jalapeños for that extra kick.
• Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some mozzarella cheese right before serving for a gooey, cheesy version that will be a hit with both kids and adults!
• Herb Swap: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just remember, fresh herbs need a shorter cooking time—add them near the end!

Serving Suggestions

When serving up this delicious spaghetti, it’s all about the cozy vibes. Picture this: a big platter of spaghetti in the center of your dinner table, surrounded by crusty garlic bread that’s perfectly toasted, a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, and perhaps a nice bottle of red wine to wash it all down. If you want to get fancy, you could even prepare a simple dessert like tiramisu to wrap up the meal on a sweet note!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to properly store them:

• Refrigerate: Allow the spaghetti to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the spaghetti in individual portions for a quick meal later. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should last up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm it on the stove over low heat. If it seems a bit dry, adding a splash of water or olive oil will help bring it back to life!

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce one or two days in advance. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. Flavor gets better as it sits!

What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?

No problem! You can substitute with diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce. Just remember to adjust the seasoning since some varieties might be saltier!

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?

Of course! Whole wheat and gluten-free pasta are both great alternatives. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they might cook differently than traditional spaghetti.

What can I add to make this more hearty?

If you’re looking for more protein, feel free to mix in some cooked meatballs, grilled chicken, or even incorporate some beans for a twist!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd with your loved ones as much as I do! Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or just a comforting meal for yourself, this dish never fails to bring people together. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out and share your favorite variations! Happy cooking!

Ultimate Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd Feed Everyone Fast

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Make Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd a breeze Perfect dish to quickly serve hungry guests with minimal effort Satisfy everyones cravings today

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs spaghetti

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

2 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in crumbled ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.

Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until well coated.

Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

A comforting and easy spaghetti recipe perfect for feeding a crowd, customizable for different tastes, and quick to prepare.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: spaghetti, pasta, easy spaghetti recipe, crowd-friendly meals, family dinner, potluck recipes