Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: The rich meat sauce provides a fulfilling and comforting meal.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare without special shopping trips.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or to incorporate additional vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared in advance and even frozen for future meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
Salt (for boiling water)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain the excess grease from the skillet and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Prepare the Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the prepared meat sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Rich and Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy texture.
Cheesy Delight: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: The meat sauce can be frozen separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without gluten.

2. How long can I store leftover spaghetti?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! Use 5-6 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed, for a fresher flavor.

4. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can include diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

5. How can I reduce the acidity of the tomato sauce?

Adding a teaspoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother sauce.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.

7. Is it necessary to add tomato paste?

Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce, but if unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of ketchup in a pinch.

8. What type of onion is best for this recipe?

Yellow onions are commonly used, but white or red onions can also be used based on your preference.

9. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a delicious, comforting dish that brings the essence of homemade cooking to your table. With its rich meat sauce and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic recipe with your loved ones and savor the timeless flavors it offers.