There’s just something magical about a classic spaghetti dish, right? The aroma of simmering tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs—paired with the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta. Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is the kind of meal that takes you straight back to those family dinners, where everyone gathered around the table for a hearty meal. Simple, satisfying, and downright delicious, this recipe is as comforting as it gets. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
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Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a Sunday family dinner, Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings everyone together. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Timeless: This is the spaghetti recipe you’ve been craving—comfort food at its best. It’s the kind of meal that always hits the spot, no matter the occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable. No need to break the bank—this is a dish you can make without stressing over your grocery bill.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour. Perfect for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast, but still want something delicious and hearty.
- Customizable: Want to add meatballs? Extra veggies? A sprinkle of Parmesan? This recipe is super flexible, so you can tweak it however you like to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s just you or a crowd, everyone loves a plate of spaghetti. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that will have people asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dish:
- Spaghetti: Long, golden strands of pasta—perfect for twirling in that rich tomato sauce.
- Ground Beef: Adds that savory, meaty base to the sauce. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Tomato Sauce: The heart of the sauce. It’s what gives the dish that rich, tangy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic, savory touch that makes everything taste better.
- Onion: Brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and onions to perfection.
- Italian Seasoning: The combination of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme gives the sauce that authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful, comforting dish:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you like a thicker sauce, let it cook a little longer.
Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until the pasta is well-coated. You can also serve the sauce over the pasta if you prefer.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread! It’s perfect for dipping into the sauce and soaking up all those flavors.
- Fresh Salad: Pair your spaghetti with a crisp green salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, for a fresh and light contrast to the rich pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top takes this dish to the next level.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is perfect:
- Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- Add Meatballs: For a heartier dish, try adding homemade or store-bought meatballs. They’re a classic addition to any spaghetti dish.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Spaghetti is traditional, but feel free to experiment!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! The sauce freezes really well. Just place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetable-based pasta sauce or add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Q6: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A6: To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a little longer, or add a small amount of tomato paste. You can also adjust the amount of water or broth used.
Q7: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A7: Yes! You can stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.
Q8: How can I make the sauce more flavorful?
A8: You can boost the flavor by adding a splash of red wine, a pinch of sugar, or some fresh basil. Fresh herbs make a big difference!
Q9: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
A9: Definitely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
Q10: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti, and make sure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for your family or enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s quick, delicious, and comforting—just the way spaghetti should be. So go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be twirling that pasta in no time!
Print
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A classic, comforting spaghetti dish with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Meat sauce: For a meatier version, brown 1 lb of ground beef, pork, or sausage along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- Vegetarian version: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Rich sauce: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg