Imagine a dish that brings back memories of family dinners and childhood comfort. Old School Spaghetti is more than just a meal it's a nostalgic journey through generations of home cooking, packed with rich flavors and love.
This classic recipe captures the essence of traditional pasta dishes, combining simple ingredients to create a hearty, satisfying meal that has stood the test of time. Moreover, it represents the kind of home-cooked goodness that brings families together around the dinner table.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you're craving a taste of home, this Old School Spaghetti promises to become a cherished family favorite.
Old School Spaghetti: A Nostalgic Pasta Tradition
Every bite of this spaghetti dish tells a story of culinary heritage. The recipe brings together classic flavors that have delighted generations of home cooks and pasta lovers.
Get ready to experience a meal that connects you to the timeless traditions of home cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
Complement your Old School Spaghetti with:
- Garlic bread
- Crispy baked potato wedges
- Fresh green salad
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Pro Tips for Perfect Old School Spaghetti:
Tomato Technique: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor base.
Meat Mastery: Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.
Herb Harmony: Fresh herbs can elevate the sauce, but dried herbs work wonderfully too.
Simmer Secrets: Let the sauce simmer low and slow to develop maximum flavor.
Make-Ahead Magic: The sauce tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance.
Old School Spaghetti Recipe Details:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Large pot, skillet, wooden spoon, colander
This pasta creation brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting, classic meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, typically about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aromatic blend of onion and garlic.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat browns evenly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper during cooking.
- If excess grease accumulates, carefully drain it off to ensure a cleaner, more concentrated sauce.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes. This step helps to deepen and intensify the tomato flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavor becomes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until they reach the perfect al dente texture.
- Drain the noodles carefully, but do not rinse them. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Serve the hot noodles with the sauce, either by tossing them together or by ladling the sauce on top.
Ready to Indulge!
Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as your family devours this classic comfort food.
Storage Solutions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are equally delicious
Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or craving a taste of nostalgia, this Old School Spaghetti will transport you back to cherished memories of home-cooked meals.
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Old School Spaghetti
This pasta creation brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting, classic meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, typically about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aromatic blend of onion and garlic.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat browns evenly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper during cooking.
- If excess grease accumulates, carefully drain it off to ensure a cleaner, more concentrated sauce.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes. This step helps to deepen and intensify the tomato flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavor becomes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until they reach the perfect al dente texture.
- Drain the noodles carefully, but do not rinse them. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Serve the hot noodles with the sauce, either by tossing them together or by ladling the sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
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