Typed recipe card for Spaghetti from Pearl Hooks
by: salvagedrecipes

Bacon and Hamburger Spaghetti from Pearl Hooks

Spaghetti from Pearl Hooks
This vintage “Spaghetti” recipe from Pearl Hooks reflects a hearty mid-20th-century American take on Italian comfort food. Rather than traditional marinara, it uses canned Arturo sauce—a common pantry staple of the era—combined with hamburger, celery, and onion for depth of flavor. Crispy breakfast bacon adds smoky richness, while chili powder introduces a mild kick. Topped with grated cheese, this dish embodies a rustic, family-style meal that blends practicality and homey warmth. It’s a nostalgic favorite for weeknight dinners, bridging old-fashioned charm and satisfying simplicity.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • ½ lb breakfast bacon
  • 1 onion (medium, diced)
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 30 oz Arturo sauce (2 cans, or marinara sauce)
  • 1 – 2 tsp chili powder (to taste)
  • 1 cup cheese (grated, cheddar or parmesan)
  • salt (for pasta water)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Pasta

  • Boil 1 box of spaghetti in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Fry Bacon

  • Cook ½ lb breakfast bacon in a frying pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

  • In the same pan, cook 1 diced onion and 3 chopped celery stalks until softened.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

  • Add 1 lb ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and fry until browned, breaking up the meat to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

  • Stir in 2 cans of Arturo (or marinara) sauce. Add chili powder to taste. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Mix and Finish

  • Pour sauce mixture over drained spaghetti. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Break bacon into small pieces and stir in. Sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving.

Tips

  • Substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner version.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use Italian seasoning or garlic powder for added depth.
  • Swap Arturo sauce for homemade marinara if preferred.
  • For a creamy twist, stir in a little ricotta before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword bacon, comfort food, family dinner, hamburger, retro pasta, spaghetti, vintage recipes, weeknight meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!