Old-school spaghetti*

### **How to Make Old-School Spaghetti**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Sauce**
1. 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.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. 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.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
5. 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**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

#### **Step 3: Combine and Serve**
1. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet or serve the sauce spooned over the pasta for a more traditional presentation.
2. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.

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### **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.

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### **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.

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### **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.

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### **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!