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Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe

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Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a classic comfort dish featuring a rich, hearty meat sauce infused with aromatic herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a timeless taste make it a go-to favorite.

 

Ingredients

  • For the Meat Sauce:
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • ½ cup green bell peppers, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
    • 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Pasta:
    • 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
    • Salt (for boiling water)
  • For Garnish:
    • Grated Parmesan cheese
    • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier version.
  • Add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
  • Adjust sweetness or acidity by increasing or decreasing the sugar.
  • Let the sauce simmer longer for a richer, deeper flavor.