Old School Spaghetti And Ground Beef

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Here’s a hearty, old-school style Spaghetti and Ground Beef recipe—simple, nostalgic, and full of classic flavors, just like a weeknight dinner straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

Old School Spaghetti and Ground Beef

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 works well for flavor)

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or a knob of butter)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds sweetness and color)

  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

  2. Brown the beef:
    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.

  3. Sauté aromatics:
    Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

  4. Build the sauce:
    Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, splash in reserved pasta water.

  5. Combine:
    Add the drained spaghetti directly into the sauce, tossing well to coat. Let it sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

  6. Serve:
    Pile onto plates or bowls, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.

✨ Optional twist (old diner-style): Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of paprika to the meat while browning for a deeper, savory flavor.

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