Old school Spaghetti

1. **Cook the Spaghetti:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
– Drain and set aside.

2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
– Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
– Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. **Add Tomato Ingredients:**
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water).
– Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
– Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.

4. **Simmer the Sauce:**
– Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
– Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.

5. **Combine and Serve:**
– Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
– Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your classic spaghetti dinner!