Old-School Spaghetti

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions 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 softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
   Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
5. Simmer the Sauce
   Pour in the water or beef broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a rich flavor.
6. Combine with Spaghetti
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until the noodles are evenly coated in the hearty meat sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Stir in a splash of red wine while simmering for a deeper sauce flavor.

Serving Suggestions