Step into the warmth of a family kitchen from yesteryears with this Old School Spaghetti recipe, a dish that embodies the simplicity and heartiness of traditional home cooking. This recipe brings back the comforting flavors of spaghetti, simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce with ground beef, garlic, and onions, and seasoned to perfection with herbs. It’s a tribute to the uncomplicated, yet profoundly satisfying meals that have gathered families around the dinner table for generations. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or whenever the craving for a classic spaghetti strikes, this old school recipe promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Old School Spaghetti:
- Classic Comfort Food: It’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any day of the year.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients for an easy-to-prepare meal.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a reliable choice for family meals.
Ingredients Notes For Old School Spaghetti:
- Ground Beef: The base of the sauce, providing rich flavor and heartiness. Can be substituted with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Tomato Sauce and Paste: Creates a thick, flavorful base for the sauce. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
- Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that lay the foundational flavors of the sauce.
- Herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and a bay leaf are classic seasonings that enhance the sauce. Fresh herbs can also be used for a brighter flavor.
- Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti noodles are preferred, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
Recipe Steps:
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
- Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, or serve the sauce over the noodles, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Cooking Old School Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti noodles
- Water, for boiling
- Salt, for the pasta water
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add water to reach your desired consistency.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, let it simmer for up to 2 hours, adding water if the sauce gets too thick.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta if you want the sauce to cling to it better.
Serve:
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: You can either stir the cooked pasta directly into the sauce or serve the sauce over a bed of pasta on individual plates or a serving dish.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.