Grandma's Secret Spaghetti
A simple, saucy, slightly sweet German-style spaghetti that balances speed, comfort, and nostalgia—a family favorite recipe everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12–16 oz spaghetti Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the meat
- 1 lb ground beef or beef/pork mix Choose for richer flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste To enhance the sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or passata
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth For sauce consistency
- 1 tsp sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds warmth to the dish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard Grandma’s little secret
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp butter or a splash of cream (optional) For finishing the spaghetti
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and break it up. Cook until well-browned — don’t rush this step; the fond adds flavor. Season with a little salt and pepper while browning.
- Push meat to the side, add the chopped onion to the pan, and sauté until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to remove the raw edge. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate browned bits.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let sauce cook 10–15 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Finishing
- Add drained pasta directly to the sauce with 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated. Stir in butter or cream if using for a silkier finish.
- Plate and garnish with chopped parsley or grated cheese.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Sauce improves after being refrigerated for a few hours. For a variation, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein or use gluten-free pasta.