Need a way to get your kids to eat more veggies?

Try spaghetti!

Believe it or not, this spaghetti sauce has carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach in it.

I tried this several years ago with my kids and have modified it slightly over time. For example, I began by only adding carrots to my spaghetti sauce. Then I tried adding mushrooms. Then spinach. And now, cauliflower.

The key is to put the veggies into the food processor and food process until they are really small (about cous-cous size). Then add them to the sauce with some cooking time left (about 10 minutes simmering time). That way the crunch is gone from the raw veggies, but the healthiness remains.

If you have kids who hate the texture of veggies, this is great because the meat sauce masks any texture differences. If you prefer making spaghetti sauce without meat, simply let the veggies cook down a little longer, or throw the sauce into the blender to get it a little smoother.

If your kids hate the taste of veggies, this is great because the tomato sauce hides the flavor. I think the key is to let your kids know what they are eating (I usually tell mine after so they don’t judge before they taste it) so they can start to learn that veggies are good.

Comment below and let us know what you like in your spaghetti sauce!

Spaghetti Sauce with Veggies

Print Recipe

Hearty, healthy spaghetti sauce that will have your kids asking for more!

• CuisineItalian

Servings	Prep Time
4 people	15 min

Cook Time

15 -20 min

Servings Prep Time 4 people 15 min

Cook Time 15 -20 min

Spaghetti Sauce with Veggies Print Recipe Hearty, healthy spaghetti sauce that will have your kids asking for more! CuisineItalian Servings Prep Time 4 people 15 min Cook Time 15 -20 min Servings Prep Time 4 people 15 min Cook Time 15 -20 min

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
• 1 jar favorite spaghetti sauce I use organic sauce with simple ingredients
• 1 Tbsp light olive oil
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots I pulse a couple of times in food processor
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms I pulse a couple of times in food processor
• 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower I pulse a couple of times in food processor
• 1/2 cup roughly torn spinach leaves

Servings: people

Instructions

1. Brown your meat in light olive oil or other light cooking oil.
2. Once meat is browned, add spaghetti sauce. Add spices and veggies to sauce. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
3. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 1 week.

Recipe Notes

Pour this sauce over your favorite whole grain noodles or spaghetti squash "noodles" and enjoy a quick, healthy weeknight meal.

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