Old School Spaghetti with Ground Beef – Classic Family Dinner Recipe

Looking for a hearty and comforting spaghetti with ground beef recipe that tastes just like grandma used to make? This old school spaghetti dinner is rich, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a big family. With a slow-simmered homemade spaghetti meat sauce, this dish brings classic Italian-American comfort straight to your table.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

1 lb (450 g) dried spaghetti – classic long pasta, not too thin.
2 lbs (900 g) ground beef – use 80/20 for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil (or a mix of butter and oil).
1 large onion, finely diced – adds natural sweetness.
5 cloves garlic, minced – essential for authentic flavor.
1 large green bell pepper, diced – optional but traditional.
2 cans (28 oz / 800 g each) crushed tomatoes – the base of the sauce.
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce – smooth and rich.
1 small can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste – thickens and deepens the flavor.
2 teaspoons sugar – balances tomato acidity.
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme).
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional).
1 teaspoon paprika (optional smoky touch).
1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste).
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible).
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
2 cups beef broth or water – keeps sauce rich and moist.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – for topping.
Fresh basil or parsley – optional garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Keep it ready for later when you cook the spaghetti.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
Cook until fully browned (8–10 minutes).
Drain excess fat but leave a little for flavor.

3. Sauté Vegetables

Push beef to the side of the pot.
Add onions, cook until soft (5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and bell pepper, sauté until fragrant (2–3 minutes).

4. Build the Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Stir in sugar, Italian seasoning, parsley, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour in beef broth or water and mix well.

5. Simmer the Sauce (Old School Method)

Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for at least 45 minutes (up to 2 hours).
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

6. Cook the Pasta

About 15 minutes before sauce is ready, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water.
Stir occasionally and cook until al dente.
Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

7. Combine & Serve

Toss pasta with sauce (add pasta water if needed) or serve sauce on top.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Pair with garlic bread and salad for a complete old-fashioned dinner.

Pro Tips for the Best Old School Spaghetti

Brown the meat well – it builds deep, savory flavor.
Don’t skip the sugar – it balances the acidity of tomatoes.
Low and slow simmering – brings out a rich, hearty taste.
Even better the next day – flavors develop overnight, making leftovers delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic spaghetti with ground beef is:

Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family gatherings.
Budget-friendly and easy to make in large batches.
A true comfort food recipe that never goes out of style.

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Enjoy.