Kid-Friendly, Gluten-Free Weeknight Spaghetti Recipe

Spaghetti bolognese on plate
Cheryl Chan/Moment/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 2 to 4 servings

Gluten-free spaghetti is fast, easy and delicious thanks to the plethora of gluten-free products on the market today.

This is a basic recipe perfect for kids and perfect for those busy weeknights when you do not have the luxury of prep time in the kitchen. As the water is boiling and pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce so everything is done at the same time. The ground beef cooks quickly right in the sauce, adding flavor.

When it comes to gluten-free pasta, it can get overwhelming and confusing. If you opt for a brand that uses a blend of ingredients, such as corn and quinoa, it tends to be a better choice than purely brown rice pasta, which can get gummy and overcook rather quickly. A gluten-free blend yields an al dente texture that is close to "regular" pasta. Of course, this is a matter of preference. If you enjoy brown-rice pasta, by all means, mangia!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound gluten-free spaghetti

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 (25-ounce) jar gluten-free marinara sauce

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 3 ounces gluten-free grated Parmesan cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Cook gluten-free spaghetti according to package directions. Drain. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

  2. As the pasta is cooking, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sizeable skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, using a wooden spoon or firm spatula to break apart the ground beef as it cooks. 

  3. Add your choice of gluten-free marinara sauce and optional basil to the skillet. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until heated through, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. 

  4. Serve sauce over warm spaghetti sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Variations

  • You can make this recipe meatless by omitting the ground beef.
  • While the sauce in this recipe uses ground beef, you can certainly swap it with lean ground turkey.
  • For a sauce with an extra kick, add a hint (or more, depending on your heat tolerance) of crushed red pepper.
  • For a slightly cheesier sauce, add Parmesan cheese to the sauce as it simmers as well as on top as a garnish.

Reminder 

Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
656 Calories
30g Fat
50g Carbs
44g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 656
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g 39%
Saturated Fat 10g 51%
Cholesterol 123mg 41%
Sodium 1529mg 66%
Total Carbohydrate 50g 18%
Dietary Fiber 9g 33%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 44g
Vitamin C 4mg 21%
Calcium 256mg 20%
Iron 5mg 30%
Potassium 1229mg 26%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)