Description
This Old-School Spaghetti recipe is a simple yet delicious classic. With tender spaghetti and a rich, savory meat sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish combines pantry staples with hearty flavors that everyone will love. Add some Parmesan cheese on top and dinner is served!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Add ground beef (or turkey), breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months—just reheat and serve with fresh pasta!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Old-School Spaghetti, classic spaghetti recipe, spaghetti with meat sauce, quick pasta dinner, easy weeknight meal