Easy Spaghetti

Almost every week, my friend who has moved away still helps me edit my columns. We met during the summer of 2021 when we were both staying at the fairgrounds RV park in Fossil. Our friendship developed when we went together to the laundry mat in Condon every couple of weeks. She is a fabulous editor who catches things that I totally overlook, even after I have read and re-read my columns multiple times. I especially appreciate that she spots my really embarrassing errors like when I only explain things half way and forget to write about the most important part. She’s great at weeding out “bulky sentences” where I’ve used six words when one will do. If I can’t figure out how to say something, she will find the right words.

One of the reasons we enjoy working together is because we have similar views on food. Why make a complicated, time consuming recipe with lots of ingredients when something simpler will be almost, or just as good? But of course it’s not against the law to “production cook” for special occasions or on weekends when there is plenty of time along with a relaxed mood.

Last week I reflected on how I have missed her in-person visits and thought about when she invited me over for spaghetti lunches. Spaghetti is such a lovely comfort food and hers is even more comforting. So I called her and asked for the recipe. I love that this is a one pot meal with just a few things to wash.

Denise’s Spaghetti

1 pound hamburger

1 onion, chopped

Couple cloves of garlic, chopped

One green pepper, chopped

14.5 ounce can tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce

14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 generous tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 heaping teaspoon garlic salt

Cooked spaghetti noodles

Brown the hamburger along with the onions, garlic and peppers then drain the excess fat. Add the tomato sauce and the tomatoes, and the seasoning. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. I added some beef bouillon diluted with pasta cooking water to thin it as it cooked. Mix in the noodles. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.

My friend introduced me to her favorite Italian seasoning “Tones Italian Spaghetti Seasoning Blend” (available on Amazon). This seasoning is quite versatile and has become my “go-to” seasoning; when I don’t know what to add, I use this. I’ve used it in salad dressing, on roasted potatoes, in meatloaf and soup. It truly is a workhorse in the kitchen, right up there with pepper and salt. If you use this, you can eliminate the garlic salt. Try this recipe and then invite a friend for lunch!