There’s something so incredibly comforting about a steaming plate of spaghetti, right? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! My absolute favorite is My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti, a recipe that’s been passed down through our family for ages. It’s ridiculously simple, comes together in a flash, and tastes like pure love. Grandma used to whip this up after a long day, and somehow, it always tasted like a five-star meal. It’s proof that the best recipes are often the ones made with the fewest fuss and the most heart.
Why This My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons! For starters, it’s ridiculously quick, meaning you can get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table even when time is tight. It’s also incredibly easy – no complicated steps, just straightforward goodness. Plus, the flavor is just amazing; that slow simmer really makes a difference. It’s also a huge hit with the whole family, and honestly, the cleanup is a breeze since it’s mostly a one-pot wonder!
Gather Your Ingredients for My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
Okay, time to grab everything you need! For My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti, you’ll want about a pound of your favorite spaghetti. Then, whisk up that delicious sauce starting with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pound of ground beef, one medium onion that’s been chopped up nice and small, and two cloves of garlic, all minced fine. You’ll also need a big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and of course, a teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Don’t forget your salt and pepper, and grab about half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top when it’s all done. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is super straightforward, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Grandma always said there’s no magic trick here, just good old-fashioned steps that get you a fantastic meal.
Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your spaghetti. Make sure you add a good pinch of salt to the water – it really makes a difference! Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly ‘al dente,’ which means it still has a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain it really well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, you want that starch to help the sauce stick!
Preparing the Savory Meat Sauce
Now for the star of the show, the sauce! Grab a big skillet or a Dutch oven and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and get busy breaking it all up with your spoon. You want it nice and browned all over. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain off any extra grease – nobody likes a greasy sauce! Next, add your chopped onion right into the same skillet with the beef. Let it cook down until it’s soft and a little see-through, probably about 5 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and give it about a minute until you can smell that amazing aroma – be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in that big can of crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in your dried oregano and basil, and season it all up with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir, bring it up to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it’s just bubbling away. Let it cook like this for at least 15 minutes, stirring every now and then. Honestly, letting it simmer a little longer makes the flavors really meld together beautifully. If you’ve got time, letting it go for 30 minutes is even better! And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, adding a splash of red wine during the simmer can really deepen the flavor!>
Bringing It All Together: Serving My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
Once your sauce has had a nice little simmer, it’s time to serve it up! Spoon a generous amount of that delicious, hearty sauce right over your perfectly cooked spaghetti. Don’t be shy! And for the grand finale, sprinkle a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. It’s that simple!
Tips for the Best My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
Want to take My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti from great to absolutely *spectacular*? Trust me, a few little tweaks make all the difference. Don’t rush the sauce simmer; letting it bubble away for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) lets all those flavors get super cozy and deep. And for an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little warmth! Oh, and if you ever want to jazz it up, a little swirl of homemade chili garlic sauce stirred into the simmering tomatoes adds a whole new layer of yum.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti! The ground beef is classic, but if you want to switch it up, lean ground turkey or even Italian sausage (casings removed, of course!) work wonderfully. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground ‘meat’ are fantastic alternatives! And while canned crushed tomatoes are a weeknight dream, if you happen to have some lovely fresh ones, just be sure to cook them down a bit longer to get that thick sauce consistency.
Serving and Storing Your My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
This My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti is fantastic all by itself, but it’s even better with a few friends! A simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread makes it a perfect meal. We love pairing it with fresh bruschetta on the side! Leftovers are golden – just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of water if it seems a little thick.
Frequently Asked Questions About My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti
Can I make this ahead of time?
Oh yes, absolutely! My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti sauce is actually even better the next day as the flavors get to really meld together. You can make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of pasta is best?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, of course! But honestly, Grandma never said you *had* to stick to spaghetti. Linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni would be super delicious with this hearty sauce. Cook whatever you have on hand!
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can easily make this spaghetti spicier! I love adding about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes right in with the garlic when you’re sautéing it. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce as it simmers for a nice, slow burn.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutrition for My Grandmas Weeknight Spaghetti can vary a bit depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with the toppings! But generally, one serving is roughly around 550 calories, with about 25g of fat, 25g of protein, and 55g of carbohydrates. Remember, these are just estimates to give you a general idea!
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Grandma’s Weeknight Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting spaghetti recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine to the simmering sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spaghetti, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, ground beef sauce, Italian recipe, family meal