Old school spaghetti

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Imagine walking into a home filled with the comforting aroma of simmering tomato sauce, fragrant herbs, and hearty meat. This is what awaits you with Linda’s Old School Spaghetti, a cherished family recipe that has been lovingly adapted for modern convenience. Originally hailing from Georgia, this dish brings together the warmth of traditional cooking with the ease of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days when you still crave that home-cooked flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old School Spaghetti recipe is a game-changer for spaghetti lovers. It boasts a rich, meaty sauce that’s miles ahead of store-bought alternatives. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Plus, with minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do the hard work.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 5-6 quart slow cooker
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds lean ground beef or ground chuck
• 1 large can (12 oz.) tomato paste
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 ½ tablespoons basil
• 1 ½ tablespoons rosemary
• 1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• Pinch of red cayenne pepper
• 1 jar (6 oz.) of sliced mushrooms
• 3 bay leaves (remove after cooking)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. Add basil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, tomato paste, and water to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
3. Drain the mushrooms and gently stir them into the mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Add bay leaves on top of the sauce without stirring. Just spoon some sauce over them gently.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, remove the bay leaves.
6. Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For extra depth of flavor, try browning the beef with a chopped onion or some garlic before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with chopped vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 210 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for about 1-2 hours on low heat, checking and stirring occasionally.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are perfect, but you can also use any pasta shape you prefer.

Conclusion

Linda’s Old School Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of home-cooked comfort that brings family and friends together. I invite you to try this recipe and experience its warmth and flavor for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any personal twists you add to this beloved classic!

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