best Old School Spaghetti Recipe

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
3. Add Onion and Garlic
   Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
   Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Season the Sauce
   Add oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Pour in the water or beef broth and stir again.
6. Simmer for Flavor
   Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich flavor.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce and toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated.
8. Garnish and Serve
   Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Difficulty Level: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Italian sausage along with the ground beef for extra flavor.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a heartier sauce.
• Add a splash of red wine during simmering for deeper flavor.
• Use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta if preferred.

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