If I’ve never expressed this before, let me make this clear, the entire #BasicButBOMB segment is absolutely inspired by my mom. She taught me to learn recipes from scratch, but always have “shortcut meals” to save time and money. If you know me at all, you know that my family LOVES SPAGHETTI! A meal that is both cost efficient and filling, you best believe Arlene was whipping it up at least twice a week LOL Dude, once I moved out, I didn’t eat spaghetti for like 2 years. If you grew up on my end of the Sub, (Sub II) there’s a strong chance that we’ve shared a laugh and some of my mama’s spaghetti. From time to time, I would get homesick missing my mom, my Nancy (RIP : )) and brothers. During those times I would crave some of my mom’s most comforting meals. Surprisingly, spaghetti became one of them. Over the years I began to make it from time to time, tweaking small ingredients and adding new ones. You guys asked, so I’m delivering. Please enjoy my easy version of my mom’s Block Party Spaghetti.

*Disclaimer: I never instruct people on how much seasoning to use in a dish. I feel like this is the portion of cooking where a person learns discretion and creates their culinary identity. I only share measurements that I feel are absolutely necessary.

• 2 jars of Prego Traditional
• 1 jar of Prego Roasted Garlic and Herb
• 1lb ground sirloin
• Diced onions
• Italian season blend
• Minced Garlic
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 16 fl oz. box of Spaghetti
• Shredded Sharp cheddar
•  7oz Smoked Gouda freshly grated

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray baking dish or foil pan with vegetable oil spray.
2. Grate 7oz. of smoked Gouda.
3. Cook pasta 2 minutes shy of the directions.
4.  Add ground sirloin, minced garlic and onions to a large skillet on medium-high. Heat and brown beef while breaking it apart until fully cooked.
5. In a pot, add in the sauces, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Mix well.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes
7. Add noodles and shredded smoked Gouda to the mixture.
8. Top with sharp cheddar.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Enjoy!