When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the timeless appeal of old school spaghetti. This beloved classic is a go-to option for satisfying cravings and warming the soul. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or seeking a quick and delicious meal, old school spaghetti is a reliable choice that never fails to impress. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a traditional recipe for old school spaghetti, sharing a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips along the way. Get ready to rediscover the simple joy of a steaming plate of spaghetti that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the sauce and spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spaghetti to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and transfer the old school spaghetti to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve the spaghetti hot and enjoy the nostalgic flavors.
Tips:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor of your old school spaghetti by incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the sauce.
- Experiment with herbs: While basil and oregano are the traditional choices for old school spaghetti, feel free to add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a unique twist.
- Upgrade with meatballs: Take your spaghetti to the next level by serving it with homemade meatballs. Simply prepare meatballs separately and simmer them in the sauce before combining with the spaghetti.