Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti – Or any pasta of your choice. Spaghetti is classic, but feel free to use penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
• Salt – For seasoning the boiling water, ensuring the pasta is properly seasoned.

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese – A perfect topping that adds a rich, savory finish.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – Adds a touch of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Old-Fashioned Spaghetti

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this comforting spaghetti dish. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate full of rich, flavorful spaghetti in no time.

1. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it up into small crumbles. This step is essential because you want the beef to be evenly browned and cooked through. Once the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease from the skillet.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. The combination of onion, bell pepper, and garlic will infuse the beef with additional flavor, creating a savory base for your sauce.

3. Make the Sauce

Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the tomatoes and seasoning. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water to help loosen the sauce, making it easier to coat the pasta later on. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop, so don’t rush this step! A slow simmer will result in a rich, flavorful sauce.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten, which is the perfect texture to complement the hearty meat sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

5. Combine and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, ensuring that every strand of pasta is fully coated in the flavorful sauce. Once the pasta and sauce are well combined, serve the dish immediately. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.