Old-School Spaghetti with Just Ground Beef

Ingredients:

1 lb spaghetti

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce

1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato paste (if using), salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5. Combine everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing until well coated.

6. Serve: Plate the spaghetti, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.