Introduction (Short)
Old-School Ground Beef Spaghetti is a timeless comfort dish made with simple pantry ingredients and hearty flavors. With savory seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly coated spaghetti, this nostalgic one-pan meal brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean ratio)
1 lb spaghetti noodles
24 oz marinara or tomato sauce
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked.
Drain excess grease carefully to prevent an oily sauce.
Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Add drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce.
Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
How to Make
The secret to classic skillet spaghetti is finishing the pasta in the sauce rather than serving it separately.
Allow the beef to sear briefly before stirring to build deeper flavor.
Simmering the sauce helps develop richness and reduces acidity from the tomatoes.
Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Letting the dish sit briefly allows the pasta to absorb savory juices for maximum flavor.
Variations
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for a vegetable-packed version.
Stir in red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry red wine after browning the beef for added depth.
Top with shredded mozzarella and broil for a baked spaghetti twist.
Use whole-grain spaghetti for extra fiber and nutrients.
Tips
Salt your pasta water generously for properly seasoned noodles.
Do not overcook the spaghetti; it should remain slightly firm before mixing into the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Simmer longer for a thicker, richer sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Protein: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g
Iron: Good source
Healthy Benefits
Ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron for energy and muscle support.
Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
Whole-grain pasta offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Homemade preparation allows control over sodium and fat content.
Adding vegetables increases fiber and vitamins.
Conclusion (Short)
Old-School Ground Beef Spaghetti proves that simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. Hearty, flavorful, and comforting, it remains a beloved family favorite that never goes out of style. 🍝
