When you think of comfort food done the Chicago way, you think bold, rich, and unapologetically hearty—and this Chicago-Style Spaghetti delivers all that and more. With a flavorful mix of Italian sausage, ground beef, and robust tomato sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it up for Sunday dinner or craving a stick-to-your-ribs pasta night, this thick and saucy spaghetti is just the thing.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
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½ lb ground beef
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1 cup diced onion
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup diced green bell pepper
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28 oz crushed tomatoes
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6 oz tomato paste
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2 cups water
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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2 tsp garlic powder
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2 tsp dried oregano
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2 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
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⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 lb thick spaghetti
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Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the meat
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the veggies
Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Build the sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Mix well. Add sugar, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer low and slow
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer the sauce for at least 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor!
5. Cook the pasta
Meanwhile, cook the thick spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Finish the sauce
Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or spice as needed.
7. Serve it up
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce or serve the sauce spooned generously over each plate. Top with more Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
Optional Add-Ons:
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A dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
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Toasted garlic bread on the side
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A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette
Final Thoughts
This Chicago Spaghetti is everything a comfort dish should be: bold, filling, and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or batch-cooking for the week. With its rich meat sauce and classic Italian herbs, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.