Quick Spaghetti

Missy, here. I bought a magazine back in the spring. It's one of those thick book-like magazines, and it's full of recipes. It's from Real Simple Best Recipes. And this one is titled Easy, Delicious Meals.

On the cover, which is what drew me to it (I do believe it called my name!), it pictures this amazing spaghetti. Every time I see the cover I crave meat sauce.

I just made this again on Tuesday when I barely had time before hubby had to be back at the church for a meeting. It truly is quick and easy! And DELISH.

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

From Real Simple (I found it on their website. Click here.)

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 of a box)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the beef, salt, and pepper and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley.
5. Serve the pasta with the sauce and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

By Kate Merker , April, 2009

See Nutritional Information for this recipe »

Adjustments I made:

I used a bit over a pound of beef.

I used dried parsley because that's all I had this time around.

I used a full box of spaghetti noodles, because who on earth would ever just make 3/4 of a box?! :)

I used matchstick carrots (in the bag, already prepared) but chopped them finer. Was still quicker than chopping whole carrots.

I happened to have a red onion already cut so used that this time. I used Vidalia last time. Doesn't seem to matter what type you use.

I used WAY more parmesan because that's the way we roll around here. We love cheese! (Actually, hubby and daughter use Sargento 4-Cheese Italian mix.)

I thought I took photos last time I made this. But I only had the finished shot. Here it is. YUM! I may have to go have a midnight snack with leftovers!