Grandma’s Skillet Spaghetti

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This comforting skillet spaghetti dish features perfectly seasoned ground chuck, rich tomato-based sauces, and an aromatic mix of fresh garlic, onions, and green peppers. Slow-simmered with a harmonious blend of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, this flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with tender spaghetti. Quick to assemble yet full of timeless flavors, it’s a hearty meal that brings warmth to your table. Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick, if desired. Serve this timeless dish fresh and warm for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Ranah
Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 21:52:39 GMT
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin it
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This rustic skillet spaghetti has been passed down through generations in my family, bringing that authentic homemade taste that store-bought sauces simply cannot match. The rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground chuck, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one satisfying dish that always brings everyone to the table.

My grandmother taught me this recipe when I was just learning to cook. She always said the secret was in the slow simmer, allowing all those wonderful spices to meld together. Now whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with the same comforting aroma I remember from her house.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

A delicious bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin it
A delicious bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The crushed tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always emphasized the importance of using a combination of tomato textures. She would taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process, teaching me that cooking is as much about intuition as following instructions.

Make-Ahead Options

A yummy bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin it
A yummy bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Simple Variations

Serving Suggestions

The Italian-American Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti works best, other pasta varieties like fettuccine or penne can also be used for this dish.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

→ Can I substitute ground chuck with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute can replace ground chuck in this recipe.

→ What can I use instead of canned tomato products?

If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can use peeled, diced fresh tomatoes and puree them for a fresher flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving to combine with the cooked spaghetti.

Grandma’s Skillet Spaghetti Dish

Comforting skillet spaghetti with meat sauce, tomatoes, and herbs for a classic taste.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 907g ground chuck
02 400g diced tomatoes (1 can)
03 400g crushed tomatoes (1 can)
04 800g tomato sauce (2 cans)
05 3 tablespoons olive oil
06 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
07 1 large onion, diced
08 1 green pepper, diced

→ Seasonings and Herbs

09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 2 tablespoons minced parsley
12 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
13 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 1 teaspoon sea salt
16 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and green peppers, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic and lightly browned.

Step 02

Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until browned, ensuring there are no pink spots. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 03

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, minced parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper with the browned meat. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 05

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Drain the water and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 06

Mix the prepared sauce with the cooked spaghetti. Stir to combine and serve warm.

Notes

  1. Add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat, if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Extra-large skillet
  • Large pot

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 30 g