If there’s one dish that instantly transports me back to cozy family dinners and the irresistible aroma wafting from grandma’s kitchen, it’s Old-Fashioned Spaghetti. Hearty, comforting, and bursting with nostalgic flavors, this classic meal is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a taste of home, Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is how it relies on honest, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering the dish’s signature flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the rich tomato base and aromatic herbs, every element shines in this classic recipe.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds hearty richness and savory depth that’s essential for a truly satisfying sauce.
- Small Onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and foundational flavor to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic kick—don’t skip it!
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The main body of the sauce, providing that classic tomato flavor and thick consistency.
- Tomato Paste (1 can, 6 ounces): Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps achieve a luscious, hearty sauce.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds smoothness and rounds out the tomato base for perfect balance.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb that brings out the best in tomato sauces.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Lends a sweet, peppery note that brightens the whole dish.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to cut the acidity of the tomatoes—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and warmth to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, this optional addition is a game changer.
- Spaghetti Noodles (12 ounces): The classic vehicle for that luscious sauce—al dente is the way to go!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese and Chopped Parsley (for serving, optional): Adds a final flourish of flavor, color, and a little extra love to each plate.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over and no longer pink. This step sets the stage for a deeply flavorful sauce. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion turns soft and translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This builds a flavor base that makes Old-Fashioned Spaghetti taste so irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to build that rich, classic sauce. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. Give everything a good mix so those seasonings can marry with the tomatoes and meat.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and soak in the incredible aromas filling your kitchen. This simmering time lets the flavors deepen, the sauce thicken, and the magic happen.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain well—no one likes soggy pasta!
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Now comes the best part: combining it all! Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce directly in the pan for a homestyle meal, or plate the noodles and generously spoon the sauce over the top. Finish each serving with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
Garnishes
The right garnish can transform your bowl of Old-Fashioned Spaghetti from comforting to show-stopping. A generous dusting of grated Parmesan is a must, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a fresh pop. For a touch of elegance, try a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for those who crave a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with classic sides like warm, crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are also wonderful for adding color and balance to your meal, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Old-Fashioned Spaghetti family-style in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table. Or twirl individual portions into neat nests and place them on a platter for a more elegant presentation. Little touches like a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or a few fresh basil leaves can make each plate feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy days! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day spaghetti even more delicious. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch for future meals, you’re in luck—Old-Fashioned Spaghetti sauce freezes beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date your containers; the sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Cook fresh spaghetti when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. For spaghetti noodles, you can reheat them in the microwave or briefly in boiling water. Combine and enjoy as if it were just made!
FAQs
Can I make Old-Fashioned Spaghetti without beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumbled meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version. The sauce remains delicious and comforting either way.
Is it okay to add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is very versatile. Feel free to sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or even grated carrots with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I make the sauce richer?
For an extra layer of richness, try adding a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers, or stir in a knob of butter just before serving. Both tricks enhance the depth and silkiness of the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the traditional spaghetti noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in with confidence.
How can I avoid mushy spaghetti?
Always cook your spaghetti noodles until just al dente and drain them promptly. If you’re tossing them with the sauce, do it right before serving to keep the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and losing its perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to share a hearty serving of Old-Fashioned Spaghetti. It’s a timeless recipe that brings smiles, full bellies, and happy memories with every forkful. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it part of your own family traditions!
Print
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a comforting classic with this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe featuring a rich homemade beef and tomato sauce simmered to perfection and served over tender spaghetti noodles.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta and Serving
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, ensuring it is fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the pan. Sauté together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, cooking them in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the noodles once cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce or spoon the sauce over the noodles on individual plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired for an authentic touch.
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Add mushrooms or green peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- For a richer, more complex taste, stir in a splash of red wine while the sauce simmers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
