A nostalgic, hearty spaghetti dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. Simple, filling, and full of flavor—just like grandma used to make.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Highlights
- Family-Friendly
- Dairy-Free
- Budget-Friendly
- Freezer-Friendly
Ingredients Checklist (No Measurements)
- Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- Ground beef
- Tomato paste (small can)
- Diced tomatoes
- Green and red bell peppers
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Quick Instructions (Recipe Card)
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Toss in cooked pasta and mix to coat with sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with grated cheese or fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease and easier cleanup.
- Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste overly acidic.
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer meals—make a big batch and store in portions.
- This recipe is easily doubled for potlucks or family dinners.
Introduction
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti is a comforting classic that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, reminds you of home, and leaves no leftovers in sight. With minimal ingredients and big flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
I first made this dish on a cold fall evening when I was craving something hearty and familiar. It’s become a staple ever since.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—remember it will absorb some sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Tip: Use both red and green peppers for color and sweetness.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
Tip: For extra flavor, season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and a can of diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar (if desired). Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or pasta cooking water to loosen it.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce. Toss well until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Ingredient Details and Substitutions
Key Ingredients Explained
- Ground Beef: 80–90% lean works well for flavor without too much grease.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Bell Peppers: Adds texture and natural sweetness.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for flavor foundation.
Substitution Suggestions
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | Any pasta: penne, rotini, or linguine |
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles |
| Tomato Paste | Tomato sauce (reduce added water) |
| Bell Peppers | Zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots |
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in mushrooms or zucchini for added veggies.
- Mix in a handful of olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or soy crumbles.
- Low-Carb: Serve sauce over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
- Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Pair with iced tea or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze fully cooled spaghetti in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water.
- Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
Make-Ahead Tip
- Sauce can be made a day ahead and stored separately. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Allergens: Contains gluten (pasta); dairy if cheese is added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of tomato paste?
A: Yes, replace tomato paste and diced tomatoes with 2 cups of your favorite jarred sauce.
Q: How do I make this spicier?
A: Add red chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce while simmering the sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, just sauté until warmed through before adding the beef.
Q: Can I make this in advance for a party?
A: Definitely. It’s a great make-ahead dish and reheats beautifully.
The Story Behind the Recipe
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti reminds me of big family dinners growing up — simple ingredients, a big aluminum tray, and the smell of garlic and tomatoes filling the kitchen. It’s a no-fuss recipe with bold, comforting flavors and it never goes out of style.
I love how forgiving it is — tweak the veggies, swap the meat, or stretch the sauce with extra tomatoes when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s the ultimate “everyone loves it” recipe.
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