Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente texture. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain the water, reserving a small cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later. Set the spaghetti aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the onion from browning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, which will take about 7-10 minutes. If using beef, you might want to drain any excess fat from the skillet at this point to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Once the meat is browned, add the can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tbsp of tomato paste. Stir well to combine. The tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and intensifies the flavor. Next, sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Toss with Spaghetti

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce seems too thick, you can stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it sit for a minute so that the pasta can absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the spaghetti and sauce, making sure to distribute the meat sauce evenly. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.