Spaghetti: Pasta Food Storage Recipes

Okay, we’re getting personal and one of the things my husband and I always…um…discuss? is what to eat on Halloween. I grew up eating spaghetti. Come on, I have FOUR brothers and and doesn’t it look a little like blood and guts and something a boy would love if marketed correctly on Halloween? Plus, it was easy for my mom to make and get us out the door trick or treating. I know, because I remember, how hard it is to get kids to eat their dinner before trick or treating so this week I’ll make my case why it should be spaghetti, I share with you my husband’s favorite dinner for Halloween, and a new one that just might be tie breaker!

Remember if you have a busy Halloween you can make it in a slow cooker and have it simmering all day (and smelling good all day) Sauces always taste better the longer they can simmer. It’s fast, easy, and delicious…not to mention you can use some of those cannery noodles.

Spaghetti Sauce 

2 T olive or vegetable oil
1 C fresh or 1/4 C dry onion chopped (1 med to large onion)
2 small green bell pepper, chopped (1/2 C)
2 large cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
2 cans (14 ½ oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
3-4 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce
2 T chopped fresh or 2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 T chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper

Saucepan on the Stove Directions:
Heat oil in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in oil 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in remaining ingredients, . Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 45 minutes
Use sauce immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

Slow Cooker Directions:
Omit the oil (unless you are using olive oil for flavor)
Mix the remaining ingredients together in 3 ½-6 quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook 6-8 hours.

Serving with:
1 lb. cooked ground beef, Meatballs, or Italian Sausage
1 to 1-1/2 lb Spaghetti pasta, cooked
Tossed salad

Time saving Tip: When you buy hamburger or ground italian sausage cook it before you put it 1 lb. packages in the freezer. That way it’s one mess but you’ve cooked the hamburger for multiple meals in advance. No need to thaw before you add it to the spaghetti sauce, if you let it simmer, it thaws in the sauce. EASY!!!