Here’s an Old-School Spaghetti recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and comforting, just like how it’s made in classic Italian-American kitchens.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork/Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Toppings:
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Add sugar (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Combine:
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, add it to the sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta. If needed, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help thin the sauce and make it cling to the noodles.
4. Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti and top with fresh parsley or basil for garnish.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- You can also use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for added richness.
This Old-School Spaghetti is perfect for a comforting family meal!
