Grandma’s Heartwarming Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

Grandma’s secret old-school spaghetti recipe brings comfort straight from her kitchen to yours.

Whispers of nostalgia dance through every twirled noodle and rich tomato sauce.

Classic ingredients blend seamlessly in this timeless Italian classic.

Memories of Sunday dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Simple yet profound, this dish connects generations through its humble roots.

Warm aromas will draw everyone around the table, eager to share a meal that speaks of love and tradition.

She knew something magical happens when quality ingredients meet passionate cooking.

What You’ll Need For Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the dish that adds richness and protein.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: These fresh vegetables provide a crisp texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Puree: These tomato products create a robust and tangy sauce base for the spaghetti.
• Shoepeg Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds extra texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds the sauce well and provides a satisfying texture.
• Slap Yo Mama Seasoning: A bold and spicy seasoning blend that adds depth and kick to the ground beef.
• Parmesan Cheese: An optional topping that brings a salty and nutty flavor to the finished dish.

Easy Steps To Make Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Ground Beef

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Sprinkle Slap Yo Mama seasoning generously. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfectly

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Once done, drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Robust Tomato Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato puree
• Shoepeg corn

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Merge Beef and Sauce

Pour the seasoned beef mixture into the boiling tomato base. Reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to ensure every pasta piece is coated with delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the spaghetti to serving dishes. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Helpful Tips For Old-School Spaghetti Recipe Success

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs tons of flavor.
• Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance the dish's richness by adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process to deepen the tomato sauce's complexity.
• Control sodium intake by using low-sodium seasoning and selecting no-salt-added canned tomatoes for a heart-friendly version of this classic recipe.
• Boost vegetable content by incorporating additional veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Ways To Change Up Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add black beans, and incorporate chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or diced mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and add extra bell peppers for a hearty meatless option.
• Mediterranean Fusion Bowl: Substitute ground beef with lamb, add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano to create a Greek-style pasta dish.
• Creamy Cajun Comfort: Mix in cream cheese, use andouille sausage instead of ground beef, and sprinkle Cajun seasoning for a rich, spicy southern-style meal.

What To Serve With Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

• Perfectly Pair Savory Spaghetti Delight
• Robust Red Wine Companion: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the hearty sauce with its tannic structure.
• Crisp Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare toasted garlic bread with a golden, buttery crust to provide a crunchy contrast and soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the meal's overall texture.
• Fresh Herb Garden Salad Partner: Craft a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding refreshing acidity and nutritional variety to the plate.

Best Way To Store Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour the spaghetti into a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Old-School Spaghetti Recipe Questions Answered

• What is Slap Yo Mama seasoning?

A bold and spicy Cajun-style blend of salt, red pepper, black pepper, and other spices that adds a kick of flavor to meats and dishes.

• Can I substitute elbow macaroni with another pasta?

Yes, you can use similar short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that hold sauce well and create a similar texture.

• Is shoepeg corn different from regular corn?

Shoepeg corn is a specific variety with smaller, sweeter kernels that are more tender and have a unique appearance compared to standard corn kernels.

• How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or omit the Slap Yo Mama seasoning and use a mild alternative like Italian herbs or basic salt and pepper to control the heat level.

Why Old-School Spaghetti Recipe Never Fails

• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a hearty, nostalgic dish that brings back memories of family dinners and classic home cooking.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily adaptable with optional Parmesan cheese topping and adjustable seasoning to suit individual taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and corn, ensuring a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.

Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Nostalgic comfort sings through this classic old-school spaghetti recipe, bringing memories of family dinners and warmth to your table. Hearty sauce, perfectly al dente pasta, and simple ingredients combine to create a timeless Italian-inspired meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 pounds ground chuck
• 2 teaspoons Slap Yo Mama seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried basil

Canned and Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 8 ounces tomato puree
• 1 can (11 ounces) shoepeg corn
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F) until meat browns. Season with Slap Yo Mama seasoning and drain excess fat.
2. Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions, then rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
3. In a large pot, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, and shoepeg corn. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned beef mixture to the boiling tomato base, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing it to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate the cooked macaroni into the pot, continuing to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to integrate and develop.
6. Transfer the spaghetti to serving dishes and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced taste and presentation.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the Slap Yo Mama seasoning to suit your spice tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano during the simmering process to enhance the overall depth and complexity of the sauce.
• For a gluten-free alternative, substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg