Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This School Cafeteria Spaghetti recipe combines savory ground beef, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that provides comfort and familiarity with every bite. The balance of savory seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder makes the sauce rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home, making it a go-to meal for any night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup minced yellow onions
- 1 package dry spaghetti sauce mix
- 2 cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with minced onions over medium heat, breaking the beef into small pieces. Drain the fat.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Dice the canned whole tomatoes (or use crushed tomatoes if preferred).
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dry spaghetti sauce mix to the beef, then pour in the tomato mixture and stir to combine. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and blend well. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the spaghetti or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without ground beef?
Yes! You can use plant-based meat alternatives, like lentils, tofu, or vegan ground meat, to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.
Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?
Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes in place of whole tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
How can I make the spaghetti sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simply simmer it for a longer period or add a bit of tomato paste to give it a richer consistency.
Can I freeze leftovers of this spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stovetop.
How do I prevent my spaghetti from sticking together?
To prevent spaghetti from sticking together, be sure to cook it in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally while it cooks.
Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add oregano, thyme, or any of your favorite Italian seasonings to customize the sauce to your taste.
How long should I cook the sauce?
Simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. You can cook it longer if you prefer a richer flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
How much sugar should I add to the sauce?
The tablespoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Start with a tablespoon and taste the sauce before adding more.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This School Cafeteria Spaghetti is a perfect way to recreate the classic, comforting meals we all remember from school lunches. It’s simple, satisfying, and delicious—just what you need for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With its rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this homemade cafeteria favorite!
School Cafeteria Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
School Cafeteria Spaghetti is a comforting and nostalgic dish made with a savory homemade tomato sauce, ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s loved by everyone.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
¼ cup minced yellow onions
1 package dry spaghetti sauce mix
2 cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 pound spaghetti
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with minced onions over medium heat, breaking the beef into small pieces. Drain the fat.
- Dice the canned whole tomatoes (or use crushed tomatoes if preferred).
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- In the same skillet, add the dry spaghetti sauce mix to the beef, then pour in the tomato mixture and stir to combine. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Stir the cooked spaghetti into the sauce and blend well. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
To make the sauce thicker, simmer it longer or add extra tomato paste.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
