Old School Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s a comforting, hearty Old School Spaghetti Recipe 🍝 — the kind of classic, slow-simmered meat sauce that tastes like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. Simple, rich, and full of nostalgic flavor.

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🍅 Old School Spaghetti

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes

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🍖 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles

• Optional: Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or Italian seasoning for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the meat:

   • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add ground beef (and sausage, if using), breaking it up with a spoon.

   • Add chopped onion and cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add garlic and tomato base:

   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.

3. Season and simmer:

   • Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

   • Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   • The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

4. Cook the pasta:

   • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).

   • Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

5. Combine & serve:

   • Mix the spaghetti into the sauce, or serve with sauce ladled on top.

   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

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❤️ Tips & Variations

• 🍷 Add depth: Stir in ¼ cup red wine when adding the tomatoes for a richer flavor.

• 🍄 Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onions.

• 🍅 Old-school sweetness: Some old recipes add a spoon of ketchup or a splash of Worcestershire sauce — it really gives that “cafeteria spaghetti” nostalgia.

• 🧄 Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

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Would you like me to include a “baked old-school spaghetti” version — topped with cheese and baked casserole-style, just like at church potlucks?