Granny's Spaghetti

Experience the comforting flavors of home with Granny’s Spaghetti, a classic Italian-American dish brimming with nostalgia and heartwarming simplicity. This recipe features tender al dente spaghetti enveloped in a rich, homemade meat sauce made with savory ground beef or pork, crushed tomatoes, and a fragrant medley of garlic, onion, and dried herbs like oregano and basil. A hint of sugar balances the acidity, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for spice lovers. Simmered to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total cook time of under an hour, Granny’s Spaghetti is the go-to recipe for comfort food at its finest. Perfectly simple, endlessly satisfying, and sure to become a cherished favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef or ground pork
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• 4 liters water (for boiling spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling spaghetti)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the ground beef (or ground pork) to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it is browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.

Step 8

Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let the spaghetti warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6062.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2926.6

Total Fat 162.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 480mg	0%
Sodium 13074.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 50.1g
Protein 162.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1529.9mg	0%
Iron 29.2mg	0%
Potassium 4934.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.2%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 28.9%