Classic Old-School Spaghetti with Ground Beef 🍝🇮🇹

 Classic Old-School Spaghetti with Ground Beef 🍝🇮🇹

A No-Fuss, Comfort Food Favorite That Tastes Just Like Grandma's

Few dishes evoke the warm, comforting embrace of home quite like a classic spaghetti with ground beef. This recipe is rooted in Italian-American tradition, built on simple ingredients and no-frills cooking. It's the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—hearty, satisfying, and soul-warming. Best of all? It’s budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family feasts.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping a week's worth of leftovers, this easy spaghetti recipe will never let you down.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building bold, classic flavor:

Pasta & Protein

1 lb (450g) spaghetti

The traditional base. Use dried spaghetti for a slightly chewy bite that holds up beautifully under a meaty sauce.

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Brings richness, protein, and hearty texture. Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor without too much grease.

Aromatics & Flavor Builders

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Adds sweet, savory depth as the base of your sauce.

4 cloves garlic, minced

Delivers that signature Italian punch—fragrant and flavorful.

Sauce Base

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

Provides a thick, rich tomato base. Crushed tomatoes offer better texture than plain sauce.

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Classic herb that brings earthy, aromatic tones.

1 teaspoon dried basil

Sweet and slightly peppery, enhancing the traditional Italian profile.

¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Adds subtle heat and complexity. Skip if you prefer it mild.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes).

Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

> 🔥 Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. You can use it to adjust the sauce consistency later.

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2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef.

Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula—about 6–8 minutes.

Once browned, drain excess fat and remove the beef from the skillet. Set aside.

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3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those beef bits add flavor), add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

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4. Build the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, and chili flakes if using. Stir again.

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

> 🧑‍🍳 Pro Tip: For extra depth, simmer for up to 30 minutes. The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor.

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5. Combine & Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet (or mix in a large bowl).

Toss well to coat every strand in that rich, meaty sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Make this dish a complete Italian meal with these additions:

Garlic bread – Crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery inside.

Simple green salad – Toss with olive oil, balsamic, and shaved Parmesan.

Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano – Sprinkle generously on top.

Fresh basil leaves – For color and a burst of herbal freshness.

> 🍷 Pair it with: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for a classic match.

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❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

✅ Kid-approved and adult-friendly

✅ Easy on the wallet, made from pantry staples

✅ Ready in under 45 minutes

✅ Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day

✅ Customizable to fit your taste – spice it up, lighten it up, or load it with veggies

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🔄 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: On the stovetop with a splash of water, or microwave until hot.

Freeze: For up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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✨ Tips & Variations

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a twist.

Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk at the end for a velvety finish.

Spice it up: Increase the chili flakes or add hot sauce for a kick.

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📌 Final Thoughts

This Classic Old-School Spaghetti with Ground Beef is more than a recipe—it's a timeless tradition. It proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With humble ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a dish that's deeply flavorful, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Whether you're feeding picky eaters, looking for a budget-friendly meal, or craving some good old-fashioned nostalgia, this spaghetti delivers every single time.

> ⭐ Bookmark this recipe—it’s destined to become a family favorite.

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Ready to taste the tradition? 🍽️ Make this tonight and enjoy the cozy,

 rich flavor of homemade spaghetti the way it was meant to be.

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