Old-School Spaghetti Recipe – A Classic Italian Favorite
If you’re craving an authentic Italian dish that’s simple yet full of rich flavors, this Old-School Spaghetti recipe is the answer. Made with a savory tomato sauce, ground beef, and traditional Italian herbs, this recipe will bring a taste of Italy to your home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this comforting spaghetti dish is a timeless classic that everyone will enjoy. Read on for the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make the best Old-School Spaghetti!
🍝 Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 12 ounces, uncooked
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (balances the acidity)
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional for a slight kick)
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for garnish
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let the sauce cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Once the sauce has thickened and is flavorful, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Tips for the Perfect Old-School Spaghetti
- Add Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving gives a fresh pop of flavor.
- Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more intense the flavors become. For a deeper flavor, let it simmer an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delicious finishing touch, so avoid pre-grated options if possible.
Old-School Spaghetti Recipe – A Classic Italian Favorite
If you’re craving an authentic Italian dish that’s simple yet full of rich flavors, this Old-School Spaghetti recipe is the answer. Made with a savory tomato sauce, ground beef, and traditional Italian herbs, this recipe will bring a taste of Italy to your home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this comforting spaghetti dish is a timeless classic that everyone will enjoy. Read on for the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make the best Old-School Spaghetti!
🍝 Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 12 ounces, uncooked
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (balances the acidity)
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional for a slight kick)
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for garnish
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let the sauce cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Once the sauce has thickened and is flavorful, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
🍴 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Old-School Spaghetti
- Add Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving gives a fresh pop of flavor.
- Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more intense the flavors become. For a deeper flavor, let it simmer an extra 10-15 minutes.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delicious finishing touch, so avoid pre-grated options if possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Old-School Spaghetti recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its classic, comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for two, this spaghetti dish is bound to become a favorite.
Enjoy your delicious spaghetti, and be sure to share this classic recipe with others looking for a timeless Italian meal!
