>Okay, let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when nothing but a big bowl of something warm and familiar will do? What’s the best old-school spaghetti recipe? Is it fancy enough to rival my grandma’s lasagna? How do I get a faster response Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Is it the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, sitting in your lap? Childhood kitchen. After a long day, if you have nostalgia for your childhood, it will go far. This is classic, simple spaghetti, but done right. No complicated techniques, just good ingredients and lots of love. The secret ingredient? Time. How do you make Old School Spaghetti?
What is Old School Spaghetti?
Think of it as the spaghetti you grew up with, the kind your mom or grandma made every week. Is it about fancy sauces or exotic ingredients? What is it about simple, delicious flavors that come together in perfect harmony? What is a meat sauce made with ground beef? ) simmered in a tomato-based sauce with herbs and spices. It gets its “old-school” name from the simple way it’s prepared – no fancy techniques, just honest, and healthy. What is that dish you can whip up without even thinking? You know the one – slightly sweet, perfectly savory, and utterly comforting. My version just uses techniques I’ve honed over the years for maximum flavor with minimal effort, so I can’t complain. What is the best way to enjoy Old School Spaghetti on a busy weeknight?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
>Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to throw together. It’s one of those recipes that’s almost impossible to mess up, which is always a win in my book. But ease isn’t the only reason to love it!
- Flavor: The sauce is rich, savory, and just a little bit sweet – it’s seriously addictive. The combination of browned ground beef, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs is a flavor explosion in your mouth.
- Simplicity: Seriously, this recipe requires minimal effort. Most of the time is hands-off simmering, letting the flavors meld and deepen. I often prep it in the morning and then let it simmer away all day.
- Cost-efficiency: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Ground beef is usually on sale, and canned tomatoes are a budget-friendly staple. Plus, it makes a HUGE batch, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch.
- Versatility: You can easily customize this to your liking. Add veggies, swap the meat, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
If you’re a fan of simple, satisfying meals like my one-pan roasted chicken and veggies or my Creamy Tomato soup, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Old-School Spaghetti. It’s comfort food at its finest!
How do I make Old School Spaghetti?
Quick Overview
>How do I make this as easy as boiling water? What is the best way to brown ground beef? Let it simmer for at least an hour (or longer for even deeper flavor) and that’s it! While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and serve with a generous ladle of that glorious sauce. Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too) . I’ve never tried it.
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick) * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper powder.
* 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
>For the Spaghetti: What are
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Salt for the pasta water
What is the step-
Step 1: Brown the Beef
>In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a spoon to break ground beef down very finely as it cooks. How my mom made this sauce, and it gives it a nice texture. Don’t skip this step and rush through the browning process – getting a nice sear on the beef adds SO much flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
>Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent and the garlic fragrant. Make sure you don’t burn the garlic, otherwise, it will turn bitter and ruin your sauce. Keep stirring so it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, Red Pepper flakes, salt and pepper. (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer
Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. I always give it a stir every 30 minutes or so to Make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go!
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
>While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. How do you salt pasta? Cook until al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm to the bite.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
>Drain the spaghetti and serve immediately with a generous ladle of that glorious Old-School spaghetti. Spaghetti sauce. If you like, you can toss the spaghetti directly into the pot with the sauce. What’s your favorite way to serve Parmesan cheese? I always top mine with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor!
5. What to Serve It With
>Old-School Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out:
>What is a simple weeknight dinner?A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Quick, easy, and satisfying!
>For a Crowd:Serve with crusty Italian bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. What is a good Caesar salad?
>For a Special Occasion:Start with a classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. What’s the best way to serve spaghetti with red wine? What’s your favorite gelato?
What is a cozy family dinner?All you need is spaghetti, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and some cozy comfort food. My kids love this dish on a cold night after school. What are some good ways to add steamed Green Beans to your diet? I grew up with garlic bread and it still feels like the best way to eat it!
>What are some of my go-to’s for spaghetti? Can you go wrong with this dish?
What are some tips for perfecting old school spaghetti sauce?
>What are some of the best ways to make this dish even more delicious?
Beef Quality:What is the best ground beef recipe? Is 80/20 a good blend for flavor? What is the difference between a leaner beef sauce and lean meat sauce?
>Low and Slow: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. I’ve even let it simmer for up to 4 hours before, and it was incredible!
>Sugar Balance: A little sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip it! I’ve also used a pinch of baking soda in a pinch if I had to. It’s a lifesaver if your tomatoes are particularly acidic.
>Herb Power: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A bay leaf added during simmering can add a subtle depth of flavor. I sometimes like to add a pinch of dried rosemary for a little something different.
>Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic. My kids never even notice!
>Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. The starchy water can help to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
>Tomato Paste: Before adding your tomatoes, you can sautee your tomato paste in with your aromatics for an even deeper flavor. Sauteeing allows the paste to caramelize and bring out a more intense taste that simmers beautifully.
>I’ve tested this recipe a million times over, and those tips are my favorite for getting it perfect every time. But ultimately, it’s about adapting to your own taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This makes a big batch, so you’ll likely have leftovers. Here’s How to store and reheat it:
>Refrigerator Storage: Store the spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This prevents the pasta from getting soggy.
>Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
>Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Cook the spaghetti fresh when you’re ready to eat, or reheat leftover pasta in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
>Glaze Timing Advice: If I know I’ll be freezing the sauce, I usually hold off on adding any fresh herbs until after it’s reheated. This helps to preserve their flavor and freshness. I also recommend letting the sauce cool completely before storing it in the fridge for the best results.
>I personally love having leftovers of this spaghetti. It always tastes even better the next day! Reheating instructions are crucial for making the most of this dish for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my tried-and-true recipe for Old-School Spaghetti. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give it a try and make it your own! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Grandma’s Meatloaf or my Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Both are guaranteed to bring you that same cozy, nostalgic feeling! Happy cooking, my friend, and can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations. Share a picture too – I’d love to see it!
Old-School Spaghetti: 7 Tips for a Perfectly Nostalgic Meal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve spaghetti topped with the meat sauce. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
