Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

Old-school spaghetti is a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings back memories of hearty family dinners. This classic recipe features a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. Whether you enjoy it with ground beef or a vegetarian twist, this dish is a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• Salt for boiling water

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until browned.
2. Drain any excess fat if needed for a leaner sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
2. Stir everything together to create a rich, thick sauce.
3. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and thicken the texture.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain well and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, or ladle the sauce generously over the pasta for that old-school spaghetti feel.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Old-School Spaghetti

• Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This old-school spaghetti is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Want to explore a tropical or nostalgic variation to match your love for bold flavors? 😊

You can also check out this classic old-school spaghetti recipe for another delicious variation!