Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
A comforting, classic spaghetti recipe just like grandma used to make—rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
½ cup green bell peppers, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
1 small can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
1 cup water (or beef broth)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt
For Serving:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Meat
In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Add Vegetables
Add diced onion and green bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
Stir in water (or broth), sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4️⃣ Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
(The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.)
5️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain (do not rinse).
6️⃣ Serve
Toss spaghetti with sauce or spoon sauce over the top.
Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
Let the sauce simmer longer (up to 1 hour) for deeper flavor.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness.
Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a silky finish.
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
