Old-School Spaghetti is a classic comfort food dish that combines rich, savory ground beef with vibrant vegetables and a hearty tomato-based sauce. This nostalgic recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a satisfying meal with the family. The addition of shoepeg corn gives a sweet, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the ground beef and spices, while elbow macaroni provides the perfect texture to absorb the flavorful sauce. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or enjoyed on its own, Old-School Spaghetti is the perfect meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Flavorful

The combination of ground beef, bell pepper, onion, and savory seasonings creates a rich and filling dish that everyone will enjoy.

2. Comfort Food

This recipe brings the classic flavors of spaghetti but with a fun twist, making it an extra-comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners.

3. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together quickly, with minimal effort, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

4. Affordable

With simple, budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes, this dish is an affordable way to feed the whole family.

5. Versatile

You can adjust the flavors and add extra vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and can easily be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

Ground chuck
Bell pepper (diced)
Onion (diced)
Minced garlic
Dried basil (or fresh if available)
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce (15 oz can)
Tomato puree (8 oz)
Shoepeg corn (11 oz can)
Elbow macaroni
Slap Yo Mama seasoning (or similar, like Lawry’s)

Variations

Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to include additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make the dish even heartier.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the mix for a bit of heat.
Swap the Meat: For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground chuck.
Cheesy Delight: Top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese before serving for an added layer of richness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, cook the ground chuck, bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic over medium heat. Season with Slap Yo Mama seasoning to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Elbow Macaroni

In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too soft.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, shoepeg corn, and dried basil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef Mixture

Once the sauce is boiling, add the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce mixture and stir. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Old-School Spaghetti hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to soften when simmered in the sauce.
Season to Taste: Adjust the Slap Yo Mama seasoning and basil to your personal taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other seasonings like oregano or thyme.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: For fewer dishes, you can cook the ground beef and vegetables in the same pot you plan to make the sauce in. Just be sure to drain the beef before adding the other ingredients.

How to Serve

This Old-School Spaghetti can be served as is, but it’s also delicious paired with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top will add an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Old-School Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or extra tomato sauce to loosen the mixture if needed.

Freezing

To freeze, let the spaghetti cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra sauce if needed.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a bit of water or tomato sauce to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

2. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes, fresh or frozen corn can be used instead of canned shoepeg corn. Just be sure to cook it before adding it to the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the entire dish ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, Old-School Spaghetti can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the mix to give it an extra spicy kick.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned ones. Just chop them finely and add them to the sauce.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that the seasoning blend you’re using is gluten-free.

9. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

10. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, you can add shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce as it simmers for a creamy and cheesy version.

Conclusion

Old-School Spaghetti is a comforting, hearty meal that brings together ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy recipe that combines familiar ingredients and flavors for a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. Whether served as a sandwich or over pasta, this classic recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite sides for a complete, delicious meal.