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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.
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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

  • Use thick-cut bacon for more smokiness and texture.
  • Substitute Italian sausage for hamburger for deeper flavor.
  • Add green bell pepper or mushrooms when sautéing vegetables.
  • For milder heat, reduce or omit chili powder; for spicier, add crushed red pepper.
  • Use any canned spaghetti sauce if Arturo brand is unavailable.
  • Reserve some bacon fat to sauté onion and celery for richer taste.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan or cheddar as suggested for a cheesy finish.
  • Try whole-wheat spaghetti to boost fiber.
  • Make ahead: sauce can be prepared a day early and refrigerated.

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 1960s recipe, bacon spaghetti, comfort food, family dinner, hamburger spaghetti, pasta, skillet dinner, spaghetti, vintage recipe
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