It is perfect for those weeks when you find yourself overwhelmed, need to put a family friendly dinner on the table and you find that you are out of the prepared jarred sauce when you go to grab it from the cupboard.
I was inspired to make this sauce after watching the film PS I Love You for this month's FoodnFlix selection chosen by Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures. You can learn more and find out how to join in the fun by going to Amy's Invitation Post.
Amy had also chosen the novel PS. I Love You for our Lit Happens Book Club to which we both belong. You can see my review and the recipe for Jammie Dodgers that it inspired in this post.
This film is a love story revolving around Holly and Gerry. Gerry has died of a brain tumor and Holly needs to adjust to life without him. Knowing how she would struggle, Gerry leaves behind letters to help her learn to live life without him.
I read the novel prior to watching the film. The novel was written in 2003 and the film came out in 2007. Neither of them were on my radar prior to Amy suggesting them.
I enjoyed the novel and kept in mind that the author was only 21 years of age when she wrote it. You can definitely see a lot of promise in her writing and I will be looking for more novels written by Cecilia Ahern.
I was disenchanted with the film. Not because it was a bad film but because I had the movie I wanted to see playing in my head the entire time I read the novel.
The film has a great cast. Hillary Swank as Holly and Gerard Butler as Gerry. The supporting cast includes Harry Connick Jr, Kathy Bates, Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon. Had I not read the novel I would have enjoyed it much more.
I didn't find a lot of food inspiration in the film either. There were tons of empty carry out containers in Holly's apartment, Cheezits, Corned Beef Sandwiches, Mashed Potatoes, Spaghetti and Salad.
I absolutely love when I have nothing on my schedule and can spend my Sunday making a loooonng slow cooked pasta sauce like this Sunday Gravy. However, I decided to go with this Spaghetti Sauce that is perfect for when you are feeling overwhelmed by life as Holly was after the death of Gerry.
Yield: 6 servings
Easy Weeknight Spaghetti Sauce
Ground meat, fresh mushrooms, onions and garlic cooked up with canned tomato products creating a quick but satisfying spaghetti sauce in less than half an hour.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat of choice (I used pork this time)
- 1/2 lg. vidalia onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz. sliced mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 2 T. tomato paste
- 1 t. Italian Herb Seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 c. ketchup
- large pinch of sugar
- 1 T. chopped fresh basil leaves, optional
- 1 lb. pasta, cooked per package directions
Instructions
- In large skillet over med high heat, cook the ground meat with the onions, garlic and mushrooms until meat is crumbly and cooked through and onions are softened and translucent. Drain if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until meat is coated. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar and ketchup. Cook stirring until mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for another 10 minutes or so.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and top with the sauce and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Calories
261.87Fat (grams)
13.61Sat. Fat (grams)
5.02Carbs (grams)
12.95Fiber (grams)
2.82Net carbs
10.13Sugar (grams)
8.53Protein (grams)
22.72Sodium (milligrams)
708.84Cholesterol (grams)
67.28
Love the addition of the mushrooms. Spaghetti is our go-to weeknight meal when we are uninspired. We often just whip up a meatless version. The Hubs has a great recipe! I'm glad I watched the film first....
ReplyDeleteYes, I was kinda wishing I had as well.
DeleteThere's nothing better than an easy weeknight spaghetti! I found myself to be underwhelmed by the movie as well.
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one Amy.
Delete