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Old Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe

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Enjoy a comforting, classic Old Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe with homemade meatballs and a rich tomato sauce. This traditional Italian dish features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a perfectly seasoned sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this timeless recipe is easy to make and full of nostalgic flavors.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
  • Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

4. Simmer the Meatballs:

  • Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet.
  • Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Cook the Spaghetti:

  • While the meatballs are simmering, cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

6. Assemble & Serve:

  • Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs and sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Meatball Tenderness: Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
  • Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or diced chili for extra heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat alternatives or omit meatballs entirely.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/old-fashioned-spaghetti-recipe/