Chicago Spaghetti (Meaty, Sweet & Cheesy Style)

If you’re looking for Chicago-style spaghetti, you’re likely referring to the hearty, meaty, and slightly sweet spaghetti dish popular in Chicago’s Italian-American community—often served at iconic spots like The Original Ricobene’s or Italian beef joints.

This version is not just basic spaghetti and marinara—it’s loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce, sometimes even topped with mozzarella. Here’s how to make it at home:

Chicago Spaghetti (Meaty, Sweet & Cheesy Style)

Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth (or water)

• 2 tbsp sugar (Chicago-style is slightly sweet)

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente

• Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Veggies:

   • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft (~5 mins).

3. Build the Sauce:

   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, sugar, and all spices.

   • Simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally (add water if too thick).

4. Cook Pasta:

   • Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain.

5. Combine & Serve:

   • Toss spaghetti with the sauce (or serve sauce on top).

   • For Chicago-style cheesy spaghetti, top with mozzarella and broil briefly until melted.

   • Garnish with Parmesan and serve with garlic bread.

Key Chicago Touches:

✅ Sweetness – Many Chicago Italian spots add a touch of sugar (like Home Run Inn Pizza’s sauce).
✅ Double Meat – Ground beef + sausage = richer flavor.
✅ Cheese Topping – Some places melt mozzarella on top (like Ricobene’s).
✅ Served with Garlic Bread – A must!

Would you like a Chicago-style spaghetti sandwich version (like Ricobene’s famous breaded steak sandwich with spaghetti inside)? Let me know! 🍝🧀