This old-school spaghetti recipe is a comforting classic that embodies the essence of home-cooked Italian-American meals. The rich, savory tomato sauce is slow-simmered to develop a deep, satisfying flavor, perfectly complementing the tender spaghetti. The blend of aromatic herbs and a touch of sweetness from the sugar (if used) balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious and delicious sauce. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, offering a nostalgic taste of tradition with every bite.
Here’s a classic old-school spaghetti recipe with a rich and savory sauce that brings a nostalgic taste of home:
Old-School Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- For the Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for the pasta water
- For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, let it simmer for up to 1 hour. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
