Description
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe delivers the rich, comforting flavors of homemade meat sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. With easy-to-find ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and classic Italian herbs, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy this timeless favorite that’s quick to prepare and makes for great leftovers!
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 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)
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Notes
- Variations: Spice things up with red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat. Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with mushrooms or lentils. Add cream for a rich, creamy twist or use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce can be frozen (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Italian, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
