How to get sauced

My dad always made spaghetti. He handled a few things in the kitchen, aside from whatever was wrong with the plumbing under the sink, and it randomly included killer poached eggs, rice pudding and spaghetti. Full disclosure - we were a canned sauce kind of family, but his was extraordinarily thick and chunky, stacked with green pepper, onion, mushrooms and a lovely mixture of beef and Italian sausage. None of this turkey nonsense I usually make the husband eat.

Many of my friends take pride in the sauce they serve. My Italian sister-in-law sticks to a family recipe from generations past that is simple, delicious and likely to remain a secret (if they told you they'd have to kill you). One of my best friends slips a pork neck bone in her sauce and lets it simmer for hours. Though I'll admit I've tried those recipes made famous by well-known Italian chefs that bubble all day, my attention deficit disorder kicks in and I'm usually serving a watery, unsalted mess that may as well have come from a can.

Last night, I channeled my dad and gave it my best semi-homemade try. It took me no time at all and I'm proud to report, the husband went back for seconds. Below, my OWN recipe. Who knew?

"I think I CAN" MegPasz Spaghetti

2 8 oz. cans of any plain ol' organic tomato sauce (I use Muir Glen)
1 lb. extra lean ground sirloin
1 c. sliced mushrooms
3/4 c. diced onion
Approx. 2 cloves of garlic (if you love garlic, go crazy)
Fresh basil to taste
Fresh oregano to taste
Fresh ground pepper
Pinch of salt (if you need, but I didn't need it)
3/4 box of whole wheat pasta (I like it thin, so use angel hair or capellini)

Brown meat and drain. In separate pan, heat olive oil. Add onion and stir until translucent (about 1 or 2 minutes). Add garlic for another minute. Add mushrooms and cook until water is released (another 2 minutes). Next, add mixture to beef along with 2 cans of sauce. Add fresh herbs and pepper to taste and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes (or 5 if your husband is like mine and stares at you until you feed him). While simmering, boil noodles until al dente. Drain noodles, add sauce and serve.