Old School Spaghetti Recipe

This Old School Spaghetti recipe brings back the nostalgia of a simple, comforting dish made with classic marinara sauce, hearty ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a no-frills, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. With a flavorful tomato sauce, tender spaghetti noodles, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this timeless recipe is always a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Old School Spaghetti Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: This recipe is a throwback to simpler times, featuring traditional ingredients for a delicious, no-fuss meal.
• Hearty & Satisfying: With a rich tomato sauce and ground beef, this spaghetti is filling and perfect for feeding a hungry family.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, this is a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: You can customize this dish by adding vegetables, using different types of pasta, or making it vegetarian by skipping the meat.

Key Ingredients for Old School Spaghetti

1. Ground Beef

• Ground beef adds a savory, hearty element to the sauce. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a variation.

2. Spaghetti

• Traditional spaghetti noodles are used for this recipe, but you can substitute with other types of pasta like penne or fettuccine.

3. Tomato Sauce

• Canned tomato sauce forms the base of the marinara, making this a simple and affordable recipe. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.

4. Onion & Garlic

• These aromatics provide a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

5. Italian Seasoning

• A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic Italian flavor to the sauce.

6. Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding richness and a salty bite to the dish.

How to Make Old School Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• To the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors come together.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad!

Tips for Making the Best Old School Spaghetti

1. Use Good Quality Tomato Sauce

• For the best flavor, use a high-quality tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer sauce.

2. Let the Sauce Simmer

• Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop deeper flavors. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

3. Adjust the Seasoning

• Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

4. Make It Vegetarian

• To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or substitute it with a plant-based meat alternative.

5. Pair with Garlic Bread

• Serve the spaghetti with homemade garlic bread for a classic Italian-American meal. You can also add a simple green salad on the side.

Recipe Variations

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

• Add finely chopped carrots, celery, and a splash of red wine to the sauce for a more traditional Italian Bolognese-style spaghetti.

2. Spaghetti with Sausage

• Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful version of this dish.

3. Creamy Spaghetti

• Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.

4. Vegetable Spaghetti

• Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Skip the tomato sauce and toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious dish.

FAQs: Old School Spaghetti

1. Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

• Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.

2. Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

• Absolutely! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before tossing with the cooked pasta.

3. How Do I Store Leftover Spaghetti?

• Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

4. Can I Freeze Spaghetti Sauce?

• Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti sauce on its own for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving with freshly cooked pasta.

5. What Can I Serve with Spaghetti?

• Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with spaghetti for a complete meal