School Cafeteria Spaghetti
This school cafeteria spaghetti brings all the flavor of a childhood favorite for many of us. Rich and beefy, this spaghetti always hits the spot.
A zingy tomato sauce, lots of beef, and plenty of Italian seasoning combine to create a spaghetti that everyone always loves. You'll love how easy it is to make.
School Cafeteria Spaghetti
I've often heard cafeteria food spurned, but I loved it as a kid. From octagonal pizza to corn dogs, and of course, my favorite - spaghetti. That's why I love this recipe so much.
Ingredients
This simple spaghetti is made with simple ingredients. There's nothing fancy here.
- ground beef
- yellow onions
- dry spaghetti sauce mix
- whole tomatoes, undrained
- tomato paste
- sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- basil
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
- spaghetti
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
Just a few simple steps are all it takes to make this classic spaghetti dish.
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with minced onions. Be sure to smash beef into small pieces while cooking.
Step 2: While meat is cooking, prepare tomatoes by dicing them. (*You can substitute crushed tomatoes, but I prefer the texture of the whole tomatoes diced instead.)
Step 3: Add diced tomatoes and juice from tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Stir well.
Step 4: When meat is done, drain any fat.
Step 5: Stir in dry spaghetti sauce mix.
Step 6: Add tomato mixture to the meat.
Step 7: Bring to a slow boil. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: While the meat/tomato mixture is simmering, prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions and drain.
Step 9: When the sauce is thickened, stir cooked pasta in.
Step 10: Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Serve and enjoy.
Equipment
You'll only need some basic kitchen supplies to make this recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet
Substitutions
Noodles: If you don't have spaghetti noodles, any noodles will do.
Onions: Yellow onions work best, but in a pinch, any will work.
Options
Looking for ways to change up this school cafeteria spaghetti? Here are some suggestions.
Italian Sausage: Use Italian sausage to give this recipe more heft.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Tips:
- If you use ground sirloin, you won't have to drain the meat.
- Cook your pasta to al dente so it stands up to the sauce.
More Pasta Recipes
FAQ
This will keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can. Place it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
If reheating from the refrigerator, simply microwave it. If you've defrosted it, bake it in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees to preserve the noodles.
School Cafeteria Spaghetti
Ready to cook this school cafeteria spaghetti? Then print the recipe card below.
School Cafeteria Spaghetti
School cafeteria spaghetti brings back all the flavors of one of many people's favorite cafeteria food - spaghetti! It's so easy and so good.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup minced yellow onions
- 1 pkg dry spaghetti sauce mix
- 2 - 28 oz cans whole tomatoes, undrained
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with minced onions. Be sure to smash beef into small pieces while cooking.
- While meat is cooking, prepare tomatoes by dicing them. (*You can substitute crushed tomatoes, but I prefer the texture of the whole tomatoes diced instead.)
- Add diced tomatoes and juice from tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Stir well.
- When meat is done, drain any fat.
- Stir in the dry spaghetti sauce mix.
- Add tomato mixture to the meat.
- Bring to a slow boil. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- While the meat/tomato mixture is simmering, prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions and drain.
- When the sauce is thickened, stir cooked pasta in.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 333Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 54mgSodium 532mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 4gSugar 11gProtein 23g
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