Ingredients

• 1 pound (454 grams) of rotini (or spaghetti or elbow)
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic
• 1 medium onion (white or yellow)
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 8 ounces (227 grams) of sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 3/4 cup grated cheese (mozzarella, Italian blend, or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of sour cream
• 1 3/4 cups (794 grams) of red pasta sauce

Let’s get started on this gastronomic trip! Grab your apron and channel your inner Italian nonna, because we’re about to learn how to make traditional spaghetti. Don’t worry, you won’t need a time machine to make this classic dish. Simply follow these steps, and presto!

1. Blend the ingredients

First things first: gather all of the ingredients. Think of them as a symphony awaiting the creation of a famous melody. Blend those aromatic herbs and spices like a maestro with a baton: quickly and precisely.

2. Cook the pasta

It’s time to boil some water and add your favorite pasta. Remember the golden rule: a watched pot never boils, so take a break, perhaps grab an espresso, and enjoy the anticipation. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente—firm but tender, just the way we like it!

3. Prepare the baking dish

Next, get a baking dish. This will be the stage where all of the magic happens. Imagine it as the huge coliseum for your pasta creation. Let’s make it a worthy venue by greasing it up a little to prevent the dramatic stick-to-the-bottom scenario.

4. Prepare the vegetables

Now, avoid the tears and slice those colorful vegetables like a master. For crying out loud, you are preparing pasta, not an onion-induced sob tale. Slice, dice, and set aside—they’ll have a big part to play soon.

5. Sauté the vegetables

Heat a large pan and sauté the veggies until they are bursting with flavor. We’re searching for that golden-brown tint, which indicates well-cooked vegetables. This is stir-fry ballet, and you’re the choreographer—make it count!

6. Cook the beef

Enter the meat! Brown it in the pan until it’s well done. This is a protein-rich powerhouse that adds heartiness to any food. Do not rush it; allow it to realize its full potential. Give it the respect it deserves—similar to seasoning a high-quality steak.

7. Mix the cheese

Now it’s time to grate and combine your favorite cheeses, resulting in a mixture that would make even the dairy gods weep with ecstasy. Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan—build your dream squad. This cheesy goodness is ready to bring everything together in perfect harmony.

8. Assemble the dish

Layer your baking dish as if it were lasagna’s cool cousin. Begin with spaghetti, then sauté the veggies, and then top with the meat. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, then finish off with the golden cheese blend. This is when all of your hard work comes together to create greatness.

9. Bake

Preheat your oven to a comfortable temperature. Slide that bad boy in and bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. The scent will be your kitchen’s applause, signifying that your food is about to receive an ovation.

10. Serve

Finally, top your Old-School Spaghetti with a sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley. Perhaps include a dash of pride. You just made a dish deserving of a standing ovation. Gather your loved ones and let them enjoy this delicious, homey spaghetti.

Enjoy your meal!