Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food – Rich, meaty, and full of nostalgic flavors.
• Easy to make – Uses simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
• Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
• Kid-friendly – A guaranteed hit for the whole family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp 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)

Directions

1. Cook the Beef

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
• Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

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

5. Combine and Serve

• Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until fully coated.
• Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Use different meat – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian option – Replace the meat with mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based version.
• Creamy twist – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta cheese for extra richness.
• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional spaghetti.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the meat sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in a little water if needed.

FAQs

How can I make this sauce thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and cook longer until they break down.

What’s the best way to prevent spaghetti from sticking together?

Stir the pasta occasionally while boiling and toss with a little olive oil after draining.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is classic, but penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni also work well.

How can I make this a one-pot meal?

Cook the spaghetti directly in the sauce with additional water or broth.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots make great additions.

How do I make this more flavorful?

Use fresh herbs, a splash of red wine, or a Parmesan rind while simmering.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot.

What cheese pairs best with spaghetti?

Parmesan is a classic choice, but Pecorino Romano or mozzarella also taste great.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe is a timeless dish that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!

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