Old-school spaghetti

Here’s a classic Old-School Spaghetti recipe that’s simple, comforting, and full of traditional flavors. It features a rich, hearty meat sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles — just like you’d find in a family kitchen.

Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional, for chunkier sauce)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup water or beef broth (optional, for thinning sauce)

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound spaghetti noodles

• Salt (for pasta water)

To Serve:

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

4. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.

5. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes (if using).

7. Add oregano, basil, thyme (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper.

8. Pour in water or beef broth if the sauce seems too thick.

9. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).

3. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with some of the sauce to coat (optional).

2. Serve spaghetti topped with a generous ladle of meat sauce.

3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for the Best Old-School Spaghetti

• For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine during step 6 and cook until alcohol evaporates.

• You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage or a mix.

• Letting the sauce simmer longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor.

• If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water to thin it.

• Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a classic meal.

Storage

• Store leftover sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat sauce on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed. Reheat pasta by briefly boiling or microwaving with a sprinkle of water.