While this hearty meaty spaghetti is mostly a comforting, classic cheat-day meal, it actually packs a few hidden health benefits! The dish is loaded with garlic, onions, and green peppers, which offer a great boost of vitamin C and immune-supporting nutrients. Tomatoes are the star of the sauce, and they are packed with a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which is excellent for your heart health and even easier for your body to absorb when cooked. Plus, using two types of meat provides a huge amount of protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied. To make it even healthier, you can easily use lean ground beef or turkey, swap the regular pasta for whole-wheat spaghetti, and slightly reduce the sugar!
Ingredients
The Pantry Basics:
The Seasonings:
To Serve:
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef and sausage until no longer pink; drain.
- Slow Cook: Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in green pepper, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, sugar and seasonings; mix well.
- Simmer: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until bubbly.
- Serve: Serve over spaghetti.
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15-Minute Prep or Less
