Old Fashioned Spaghetti: A Classic Comfort Food

Introduction

Old Fashioned Spaghetti. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family dinners, cozy kitchens, and the comforting aroma of simmering sauce. This recipe captures the essence of that classic dish, with a rich, flavorful meat sauce that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Anecdotal Story

I remember my grandmother making spaghetti sauce. The aroma would fill the house, a blend of tomatoes, herbs, and simmering meat that was simply intoxicating. She never measured anything, just adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that same comforting flavor, a taste of home and family.

Ingredient Descriptions

• Ground Beef: Provides the meaty base for the sauce. Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness. Leaner ground beef can also be used.
• Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Yellow onions are a common choice, but white or red onions can also be used.
• Garlic: A key ingredient for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the base for the sauce. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds a thicker consistency and concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds even more concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These classic Italian herbs add a warm, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Essential for seasoning the sauce and enhancing the flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Red Wine (Optional): Adds depth of flavor and complexity to the sauce. A dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice.
• Bay Leaves: Add a subtle, earthy flavor to the sauce. They should be removed before serving.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic. Adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents sticking. Other neutral oils like canola or avocado oil can also be used.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice for this dish. Its long, thin shape is perfect for twirling and capturing the sauce.

Equipment/Tools

• Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Slow Cooker: For slow-cooking the sauce.
• Large Pot: For cooking the spaghetti. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the pasta and boiling water.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing the onions and garlic.
• Colander: For draining the cooked spaghetti.
• Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and serving.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spaghetti

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed aromatics, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if desired), red wine (optional), and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
4. Set and Forget: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve with Perfection: Discard the bay leaves and spoon the flavorful meat sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Sauce is too thick: Add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: Continue cooking the sauce in the slow cooker (uncovered) to allow it to reduce and thicken.
• Sauce is too acidic: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Pasta is sticking together: Make sure to salt the pasta water generously and don’t overcrowd the pot.

Tips and Variations

• Add vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Add meat: Italian sausage, meatballs, or other ground meats can be added to the sauce.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while the pasta and sauce are hot.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and freshness.
• Offer crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
• Side Dishes: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would complement this dish nicely.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

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Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for at least 2 hours for a similar result.
• Can I freeze leftover sauce? Yes, leftover sauce can be frozen for later use.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.