Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a comforting classic that brings together a rich, savory meat sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This straightforward recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess grease but keep the beef in the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Season with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer sauce, try adding a splash of red wine during Step 3 before simmering.
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage as an alternative to ground beef.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- For extra vegetables, include chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots along with the peppers and onions.
Storage
Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can help deepen the flavors. Reheat on low before serving with freshly cooked spaghetti.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Traditional spaghetti is classic, but you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe delivers a classic, hearty meat sauce simmered to perfection and tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this timeless dish is a comforting family favorite, topped with savory Parmesan and optional fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
For Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and keep the beef in the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes but start checking at 7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked spaghetti until fully coated. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from the browned ground beef to keep the sauce from being too oily.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered to concentrate flavors and thicken it slightly.
- Al dente pasta means it’s tender but still has a slight bite; avoid overcooking.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, old-fashioned, classic Italian, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, homemade sauce
