Name: Old-Fashioned Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme (optional); ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup water or beef broth; 12 oz spaghetti; Water for boiling; 1 tsp salt; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a classic, comforting dish that brings together a rich, homemade tomato meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for bringing back the nostalgia of traditional home-cooked meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or feeding a group of friends or family, this recipe never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

½ cup water or beef broth (for a richer sauce)

For the Pasta:

12 oz spaghetti

Water for boiling

1 tsp salt

For Serving:

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Meat:

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Stir in the water or beef broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cook the Spaghetti:

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

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, usually for 8-10 minutes.

Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Assemble & Serve:

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, or serve the sauce on top of the pasta.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Sweeter Sauce? Add 1 grated carrot or a pinch of cinnamon to balance out the acidity in the sauce.

Heartier? Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Want a Bolognese-style sauce? Add ½ cup of milk after the meat browns for a creamy twist.

Make It Ahead: The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti and sauce in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! I often use ground turkey as a lighter alternative, and it works just as well in this recipe. It will still provide a rich flavor, especially with the added seasonings.

How do I make my spaghetti sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, I recommend letting it simmer longer so it can reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of tomato sauce for extra thickness.

Can I freeze the sauce for later?

Definitely! I love making extra sauce and freezing it for a quick meal later. Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply reheat on the stove or microwave.

How do I prevent my spaghetti from being too soggy?

To avoid soggy spaghetti, be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions and don’t overcook it. Once drained, I recommend serving it right away with the sauce or tossing it in olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for the base of the sauce.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is the perfect recipe when I’m craving comfort food. With its rich, homemade tomato meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish never fails to bring warmth to the table. It’s easy to make, versatile, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether I’m sticking to the classic or adding my own variations, this recipe is always a hit.

Recipe:

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

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Print Recipe

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a nostalgic and hearty classic featuring a rich homemade tomato meat sauce paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This comforting dish is a great family meal or a cozy dinner option, filled with bold flavors from ground beef or turkey, aromatic herbs, and spices. It’s simple to make and ideal for any occasion!

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Instructions

Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the water or beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Spaghetti:
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Assemble & Serve:
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, or serve the sauce on top of the pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil.