Bring the timeless taste of Old School Spaghetti to your table, a dish steeped in simplicity and rich flavors that have stood the test of time. This recipe is a nod to the traditional spaghetti dishes many of us grew up with, featuring a hearty meat sauce seasoned with herbs and simmered to perfection. Whether you’re gathering the family for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this spaghetti dish is sure to satisfy everyone with its familiar and comforting taste.
Simple, Savory, and Satisfying: The Essence of Classic Cooking
Making Old School Spaghetti involves a few key techniques to ensure that every bite is as flavorful as it is nostalgic. Here’s how to make your spaghetti dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Expert Tips for Perfect Old School Spaghetti:
- Pasta Perfection: Cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package directions. This keeps the pasta firm and ready to absorb the sauce.
- Sauté Savvy: Start with sautéing onions and garlic until they are translucent—a critical foundation for building the sauce’s flavor.
- Meat Matters: Brown the ground beef thoroughly until it’s crumbly and no longer pink, ensuring it blends well with the sauces and spices.
- Simmer and Season: Let the sauce simmer to develop depth in flavor. Season with herbs like basil and oregano, and don’t forget a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garnish Generously: Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a garnish of fresh basil to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Recipe for Old School Spaghetti:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Equipment: Large skillet, large pot
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Place cooked spaghetti on plates or in bowls. Top with the meat sauce, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil.
Enjoy Your Meal
This Old School Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane with every forkful. Serve it up for a comforting, hearty dish that goes back to basics but never goes out of style. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a well-made spaghetti with meat sauce tonight!
PrintOld school spaghetti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Place cooked spaghetti on plates or in bowls. Top with the meat sauce, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes