Here’s a classic old-school spaghetti recipe — simple, comforting, and exactly the way many grew up eating it. 🍝
Old-School Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add tomatoes & seasonings
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Combine with pasta
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce until well coated.
- Serve
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Optional: add fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Tips for Extra “Old-School” Flavor
- Use a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity.
- Cook sauce low and slow if you have time — 30–40 minutes enhances flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a full classic dinner.
This recipe is nostalgic, straightforward, and budget-friendly — exactly the way spaghetti was served in homes decades ago.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot old-school spaghetti version that cuts prep and cleanup in half.
Do you want me to do that?
