Sometimes, the best recipes come from necessity. Growing up, we didn’t always have every ingredient for a classic spaghetti dinner, but my mother was a master of making do with what was on hand. One of her go-to dishes became a staple not only in our home but also in our neighborhood of Oak Cliff. With a few simple ingredients and a lot of heart, this recipe is a comfort food that has stood the test of time.
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy, this Oak Cliff-style spaghetti dish is the perfect choice.
Ingredients: A Simple, Flavorful Combination
This recipe combines fresh vegetables, savory ground beef, and pasta in a way that brings everything together in one delicious pot. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs ground chuck
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (use fresh if you have it for extra flavor)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 8 oz tomato puree
- 1 can shoepeg corn (11 oz)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons Slap Yo Mama seasoning (or Lawry’s or any similar seasoning)
Optional Topping:
- Parmesan cheese for serving (adds a delicious finishing touch)
Directions: How to Make Oak Cliff-Style Spaghetti
This recipe is all about layering flavors and taking advantage of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s how to put it all together:
1: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
- In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground chuck, bell pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat. Stir frequently to break up the beef as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, season with Slap Yo Mama (or your preferred seasoning) to taste.
- Drain any excess fat from the pan and set the mixture aside.
2: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
- In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, and shoepeg corn. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the sauce reaches a boil, add the ground beef mixture into the pot. Stir to combine and allow everything to simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
4: Add the Pasta
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring it in with the sauce and meat mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve your Oak Cliff-style spaghetti hot.
- If you like, top your serving with Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
Tips for Customizing Your Oak Cliff-Style Spaghetti
This dish is highly adaptable! You can tweak it based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the elbow macaroni for another type of pasta, like penne or rotini, to mix things up.
- Add more veggies—zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would all work well in this dish.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the memories it brings. It’s a dish that’s been passed down, evolving over time, and serving as a reminder of how resourcefulness and love in the kitchen can create something special. Whether you’re preparing it for your family or sharing it with friends, this Oak Cliff-style spaghetti is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.
Call to Action
Ready to give this hearty, flavorful dish a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Oak Cliff comfort food right in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results with family and friends—you might just start a new tradition of your own!
