easy spaghetti sauce spruce up

Looking for a quick, easy meal for a weeknight?  Look no further than an old standby...spaghetti.  I must admit, I debated sharing this as a recipe, since most of the hard work is done for you by the good people at Newman's Own, Ragu, etc.  In the end though, I thought you all needed to know about this super easy way to make store bough spaghetti sauce a little more special.  All you need are a few quick additions to the sauce, and you have a meal that tastes homemade.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Spaghetti Sauce Spruce Up

Recipe can be adapted or changed to your taste!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1-2 Tbs. chopped garlic
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jar tomato and basil spaghetti sauce
• 1 Tbs. Italian seasoning
• 1 bunch of spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste  
• *Don't forget your favorite spaghetti noodle and parmesan cheese...I use whole wheat, extra thin noodles and shaved parmesan cheese.

Directions:

1. Cook ground beef in a nonstick skillet.  (No cooking oil or spray necessary)
2. After beef is fully cooked, transfer to a plate lined with several paper towels to absorb grease.  Set aside.  
3. Wipe out the pan and add olive oil and garlic.  Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until garlic is aromatic.   Add chopped tomatoes and saute 1 minute more.
4. Add jar of store bought tomato sauce and mix well.  Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.  
5. Just before serving, add several handfuls of spinach.  Stir spinach into sauce until spinach is incorporated and has just begun to wilt.  
6. Top cooked noodles with sauce and parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

xo,