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How to Make Old-School Spaghetti
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water or broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- 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 spaghetti, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet or serve the sauce spooned over the pasta for a more traditional presentation.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Old-school spaghetti pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers complement the hearty flavors.
Tips for Perfect Old-School Spaghetti
- Use Quality Tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, make a noticeable difference in the sauce’s flavor.
- Let It Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavors become. If you have extra time, let it simmer for up to an hour.
- Customize the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even mushrooms make great substitutes for ground beef or sausage.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Add a Flavor Boost: A splash of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce can elevate the sauce’s depth.
Variations to Try
- Meatball Spaghetti: Swap the ground beef for homemade or store-bought meatballs simmered in the sauce.
- Vegetarian Spaghetti: Skip the meat and load the sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spaghetti Bolognese: Add finely chopped carrots and celery for a more traditional Bolognese-style sauce.
- Cheesy Baked Spaghetti: Layer the cooked spaghetti and sauce in a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
Why This Recipe Works
Old-school spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of a hearty, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta is timeless and satisfying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a meal to share with loved ones, this dish delivers on flavor and nostalgia every time.
Try this old-school spaghetti recipe tonight and rediscover why it’s a classic that never goes out of style!
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