Here’s a classic school-style spaghetti recipe:
Ingredients (Serves ~4–6)
For the spaghetti:
-
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles
-
Water and salt for boiling
For the sauce:
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
-
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1–2 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
-
1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (if needed)
Optional toppings:
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
A sprinkle of dried herbs
Instructions
-
Cook the spaghetti:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain and set aside.
-
-
Make the sauce:
-
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
-
Add ground meat, cook until browned.
-
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar.
-
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
-
Combine:
-
Either toss the spaghetti with the sauce directly or serve the sauce on top of the noodles, school cafeteria style.
-
-
Serve:
-
Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
-
Optional: serve with a side of bread or a small salad.
-
Tips for “School Style” Authenticity
-
Keep it simple and slightly watery, as school spaghetti often isn’t very thick.
-
Avoid fancy ingredients—this is meant to be comfort food for a crowd.
-
You can even make large batches in a pot or slow cooker.
If you want, I can also give a fun “retro school cafeteria” version, with that slightly sweet, slightly saucy vibe that kids tend to love. It’s nostalgic and very close to the real deal.
Do you want me to do that?
