Old-School Spaghetti is the kind of comforting, no-frills dish that brings back memories of family dinners, school cafeteria lunches, and cozy weeknight meals. It’s all about simplicity and flavor—tender spaghetti noodles coated in a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce loaded with ground beef, garlic, and classic Italian herbs. This recipe doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or trendy techniques. Instead, it celebrates the timeless magic of a well-balanced meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or just a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a nostalgic hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely 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 (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine. Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir again to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
You can either toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce or serve the sauce ladled generously over individual portions of pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a hearty plant-based version.
- Add depth: A splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end for a creamy finish.
- Meal prep: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Pasta swap: Try this sauce with penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
This Old-School Spaghetti is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of how satisfying simple food can be. Want to turn it into a baked casserole or add a cheesy layer next time? I’ve got ideas that’ll take this classic to the next level.