Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

This classic Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that never goes out of style. With a rich and flavorful meat sauce paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings. Top it off with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and elegance.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ 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
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup water

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion , green bell peppers , and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes , tomato paste , water , oregano , basil , sugar , salt , and black pepper . Mix well to combine.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes , stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce in the skillet or a large serving bowl until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Alternatively, serve the sauce over individual portions of spaghetti.
2. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

• Ground Beef Options: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For extra flavor, try a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Vegetable Variations: Add diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to the table. The meat sauce is rich and flavorful, thanks to the combination of herbs, spices, and slow-simmered tomatoes, while the perfectly cooked spaghetti provides the ideal canvas for soaking up all that deliciousness. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to please. Dive into this comforting dish and savor every bite of its nostalgic charm!