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Easy School Cafeteria Spaghetti & Meat Sauce photo

School Cafeteria Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

This School Cafeteria Spaghetti & Meat Sauce is a nostalgic, hearty dish that's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp dried minced onions
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes undrained
  • 1 6-oz can tomato paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 tsp dried basil
  • 4 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 lb spaghetti cooked

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, add the lean ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in the dried minced onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the browned beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the undrained whole tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Use the wooden spoon to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour in the 2 cups of water and then add the dried basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, hearty sauce.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, toss it with the cooked spaghetti or serve it over the spaghetti on individual plates. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried, using three times the amount.
  • This sauce can be made in bulk and frozen for up to 3 months!