Name: Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces spaghetti noodles; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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There’s something magical about gathering around the table with loved ones to share a homemade dish, and nothing says comfort quite like Old-Fashioned Spaghetti. This nostalgic recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, layered flavors, and that satisfying, twirl-worthy tangle of pasta topped with hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or welcoming friends for a cozy dinner, this beloved classic never goes out of style and is guaranteed to spark joy (and maybe a few second helpings!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few humble kitchen staples come together to create a truly unforgettable Old-Fashioned Spaghetti dinner. Each ingredient here brings its own unique charm to the dish, from the richness of ground beef to the aromatic touch of herbs and the bright, tangy flavors of tomatoes.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Use an 80/20 mix for best flavor and just enough richness; it forms the savory heart of the sauce.
Small Onion, finely chopped: A little diced onion melts right into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Don’t skip the garlic! It perfumes the whole dish with that classic Italian fragrance.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): This creates a silky base for your sauce, giving it that comforting, familiar texture.
Tomato Paste (1 can, 6 oz): Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Adds chunkiness and brings a refreshing bite to the sauce.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): A pinch of sugar smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing all the other flavors.
Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Offers a sweet, peppery note that rounds out the traditional Italian seasoning.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers a robust, slightly earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Vital for coaxing the flavors out of every ingredient.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to give a gentle, warming background spice.
Spaghetti Noodles (12 ounces): Classic and perfect for soaking up plenty of rich sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and brings out the best in your aromatics.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving, optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish—don’t be shy with it if you’re a cheese lover!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Start with a large skillet set over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in your finely chopped onion and let it soften, stirring often, for about 3 minutes. When it’s translucent and fragrant, add your minced garlic for just 30 seconds more, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn—your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, taking care to stir frequently, until there’s no more pink visible. If you notice excess fat in the pan, now’s the time to drain it off, keeping your sauce rich but never greasy.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

To your perfectly browned beef, add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything well to combine, then sprinkle in the sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is where your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti starts to come together—the scent alone is enough to get your appetite going!

Step 4: Simmer for Full Flavor

Turn the heat down to low, and let the sauce bubble away, uncovered, for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir from time to time, breathing in that rich, tomato-y aroma as the herbs and beef create a beautiful, layered flavor. The sauce will thicken and deepen in color, coating your spoon with goodness.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the noodles to the empty pot, ready to welcome the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Pour the hot meat sauce right over the drained spaghetti and gently toss everything together, making sure every strand gets coated. Dish it up while piping hot, and, if desired, shower your bowls with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This is the Old-Fashioned Spaghetti experience in all its glory!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

Garnishes

A true plate of Old-Fashioned Spaghetti begs for a touch of finishing flair. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese with abandon, add a little chopped parsley for a burst of color, or even toss on a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. If you really want to channel Italian-American comfort, add a few torn basil leaves right before serving.

Side Dishes

Few things round out a meal like the right sides. Classic garlic bread is a must for sopping up every last bit of sauce, while a crisp green salad brings a fresh contrast to the hearty spaghetti. If you’re feeling indulgent, try a side of roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms to amp up the cozy factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti in individual pasta bowls or, for a family-style feast, pile it high on a large platter for everyone to dig into. Looking for a fancy touch? Twirl the noodles onto each plate with a carving fork for restaurant-worthy spirals. Or, for the kids (and kids at heart), top with adorable mini-meatballs or a sprinkle of colorful microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a little extra Old-Fashioned Spaghetti (lucky you!), simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where the flavors actually deepen and meld even more, for up to 4 days. It’s one of those dishes that might taste even better the next day!

Freezing

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti sauce freezes beautifully for those busy nights when you crave homemade comfort without the cooking. Cool the sauce completely before ladling it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leaving an inch at the top for expansion). Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed—dinner is always within reach.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your spaghetti and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just stir every minute or so to make sure it heats evenly. A fresh dusting of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving brings everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage are both excellent swaps for ground beef, offering a lighter or spicier twist. You can even mix meats for a richer flavor, or try a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?

While it might seem like a small detail, the teaspoon of sugar in Old-Fashioned Spaghetti sauce really helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute it with a pinch of grated carrot for natural sweetness.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Spaghetti gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles and double-check that your other ingredients (like tomato paste) don’t contain hidden gluten. All the flavor, none of the gluten—enjoy every nostalgic bite.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking?

After draining the spaghetti noodles, give them a quick rinse with hot water and toss them with a touch of olive oil before adding the sauce. This helps prevent clumping and gives you a wonderfully silky plate of pasta.

Can I double the Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Simply double the ingredients and make sure you’re using a large enough pot for the sauce and noodles. It’s a fantastic (and affordable) way to feed a hungry group at your next family gathering or potluck.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Old-Fashioned Spaghetti has stood the test of time—it’s delicious, dependable, and brings people together. Whether you’re recreating cherished family memories or making new ones, I hope this recipe finds a happy place in your kitchen. Give it a try, pass it around the table, and enjoy every comforting forkful!

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe is a classic favorite, featuring a hearty meat sauce simmered to perfection and served over al dente spaghetti noodles. Comforting and delicious, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Pour sauce over spaghetti, toss to coat.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.