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Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Description

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce is a comforting, classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This simple yet satisfying meal is made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The sauce is flavorful, hearty, and easily customizable, delivering a warm and nourishing experience with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Optional Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic finely. Open the canned tomatoes and measure out the seasonings. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the spaghetti.
  2. Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned with no visible pink, then drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onions are softened and translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen flavor. Add crushed canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat gently for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
  5. Cook and Drain the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  6. Combine and Serve: Either mix the cooked spaghetti directly into the meat sauce or serve sauce ladled over nests of spaghetti. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer, fresher-tasting sauce.
  • Cook spaghetti al dente to ensure it holds texture when combined with sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly on low heat to deepen flavors and achieve perfect thickness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Season gradually and taste as you cook to maintain balanced flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: spaghetti, meat sauce, old-fashioned, classic Italian, comforting dinner, homemade pasta, easy recipe

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/old-fashioned-spaghetti-with-hearty-meat-sauce/