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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the **olive oil** over medium-high heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. This should take about **5-7 minutes**. Drain any excess fat from the pan, if necessary.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the ground beef is cooked, add the **chopped onion** to the pan. Cook for **3-4 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another **30 seconds**, until fragrant.
#### Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce and Spices
To the pan with the beef and onions, add the **crushed tomatoes**, **tomato paste**, **sugar**, **oregano**, and **basil**. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for **20-30 minutes**, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.
#### Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of **salted water** to a boil. Add the **spaghetti** and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about **8-10 minutes**). Drain the spaghetti, reserving a bit of the pasta water for the sauce if necessary.
#### Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the spaghetti is drained, add it directly to the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with freshly grated **Parmesan cheese**, if desired. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
## Variations and Customizations
While this recipe stays true to the classic **spaghetti with ground beef**, there are numerous ways to personalize it according to your preferences:
– **Add vegetables**: Incorporating vegetables like **bell peppers**, **zucchini**, or **mushrooms** will add texture and nutrition to the sauce.
– **Spice it up**: For a bit of heat, add **red pepper flakes** or a chopped **jalapeño** to the sauce.
– **Make it cheesy**: Mix in some **ricotta** or **mozzarella** cheese into the sauce for a creamy twist.
– **Use different meats**: Ground **turkey**, **chicken**, or even **sausage** can replace ground beef for a leaner or more flavorful version.
## Conclusion: A Timeless Comfort Food
**Spaghetti with ground beef** may not be the most glamorous dish on a menu, but it is a timeless, comforting favorite that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking to make a simple, hearty meal for your family or craving a nostalgic dish that takes you back to your childhood, this old-school spaghetti recipe is a winner.
Its simplicity, affordability, and versatility make it a meal that will never go out of style. So the next time you find yourself craving something satisfying and easy, consider making a batch of **spaghetti with ground beef**—a dish that’s just as comforting and delicious today as it was when it first became a staple in American kitchens.
