Description
This classic School Cafeteria Spaghetti recipe offers a comforting and family-friendly meal featuring tender spaghetti noodles tossed in a flavorful, herb-infused marinara sauce with ground beef or turkey. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, it brings nostalgic cafeteria vibes with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce along with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all noodles with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor.
- For a lower sodium version, use a low-sodium marinara sauce and adjust salt accordingly.
