Creekside’s Family Spaghetti + Meat Sauce

Here’s a recipe that our whole family loves. It’s an adaptation of my mom’s recipe from my childhood with the addition of a few more seasonings and plenty more vegetables. With 5 kids ranging from 15 to 4, it’s quite a treat when all of them LOOOOVE a meal! Although I really can’t complain about our kids being “picky” it is always a win to see a whole pot of hearty meat sauce disappear in short order, with many of the kids asking for second or third helpings :) I’m sure many of my fellow mom-readers can easily relate. This is a large recipe for our large family. The meat sauce freezes very well if you’d like to save some for an easy meal another day.

Featuring plenty of vegetables and extra lean ground beef (find it at our creamery!), this recipe is as healthy as it is delicious. Serve over hot cooked noodles and top with freshly grated cheese - our Golden Meadow Raclette and Garlic Raclette are both wonderful options.

Without further ado, here’s your ingredient list:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup each diced celery and diced carrot

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

• 1 1/2 cup sliced and quartered zucchini

• 2 lbs extra lean ground beef.

• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)

• 1 - 28 oz can diced tomatoes

• 1 - 14 oz can tomato sauce

• 1 - 5.5 oz can tomato paste

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup red wine, optional

• 1/2 cup slivered fresh basil

• 1 - 2 cups freshly grated cheese

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add beef. Cook and stir until meat is no longer pink, breaking up any large pieces of meat as it’s cooking. Add seasonings and cook 1 more minute.

Add all remaining ingredients aside from basil and cheese. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in basil and remove from heat. Serve over hot cooked pasta and garnish with grated cheese. Enjoy!