Nothing like Mother's Day, don't you think? My children and I love cooking together, as you know… and to celebrate the occasion, I received the special treat of queijadinha de laranja for dessert and an easy yet quite tasty Barilla® Spaghetti with Meat Sauce as the entrée—all prepared by my angels and me. 🙂 This is an Italian recipe, like many which were brought to Southern Brazil, a region greatly influenced by Italian immigrants.
It all started with a visit to Walmart -- where we bought Barilla® spaghetti…
… followed by a few preparations in the kitchen, and then a delightful meal. I think this is our own way to celebrate family and togetherness-- and for my seven and eight year-old to celebrate me, their Mommy.
Sometimes the best things in life are simple, yet full of meaning. They know all too well how to touch my heart... and "food" is written all over!
Following the Barilla® Spaghetti with Meat Sauce recipe was easy! We simply sautéed chopped onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil, browned lean ground beef in the same pan, then deglazed with white wine (optional), which I love and which makes the pasta even more delicious. Next we added diced canned tomatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper, let the meat sauce simmer, reduce, and thicken… and then tossed 1 lb. of cooked spaghetti in the cooked meat sauce. Then as a final touch, we topped the pasta with shaved cheese. Yummmm!!!
There was silence at first, followed by requests for seconds and even thirds. I chose just the right dish... it was hearty and so comforting -- just like a mother's love!
I miss my Mom! As you know, the Atlantic Ocean keeps us physically apart. I wish she were here to share with me and her granddaughters such a wonderful meal and loving moment. But no worries! I will let her know that if it is any comfort, I ate enough Spaghetti with Meat Sauce for both me and her. My own way of saying: "This is for you, Mãe!" 🙂
As Mother's Day approaches, what do you intend to prepare for your Mom on her special day? Or perhaps for your Grandma, Aunt, or that amazing soul who raised you like a daughter or son?
This Barilla® Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and other Barilla® recipes can help you to make her day!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY -- from a Mom who is sending out much love to all other moms out there!
Barilla® Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla® Spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small carrot chopped
- 1 stem celery chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup White wine optional
- 1 can San Marzano Tomatoes 28 - ounce
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano shaved
Instructions
- PLACE a pot of water to boil. MEANWHILE, in a large skillet, sauté the onion, carrot and celery with the extra virgin olive oil. ADD the meat and cook until browned well. INCORPORATE the tomatoes and 1 cup of water, season with salt and pepper to taste and bring to a simmer.
- COOK pasta in the boiling water according to the package directions. DRAIN pasta and toss with sauce. TOP with cheese.
- OPTIONAL: After the meat is browned, you can deglaze the sauce by adding the wine and let it reduce all the way.
Recipe Notes
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla. The opinions and text are all mine.