Wanting meatier spaghetti, but can’t seem to get it right?  I had this problem for years.  It would always seem so close, but just not quite right.  I tried all kinds of sauces, more meat, more seasoning, sugar, and I even tried cream of mushroom soup (which wasn’t half bad).  Then one day, here I am.  Dreading the deed in front of me.  It’s spaghetti time again.  I think if it wasn’t so cheap to make when you’re trying to save money, I would’ve left this silly challenge of mine high and dry.   Back to that day.  That wonderful day.  I’m standing there browning meat, boiling noodles, and staring up at my spice cabinet when it hits me.  Beef bouillon cubes.  Suddenly I’m remembering the wonderful taste of the broth those magical cubes make.  So, when it’s time to prepare the sauce..I do it.  I peel off the wrapper of one (and only one) and drop it in.  Nervous and excited at the same time I stir and wait.  Afraid to take a taste test.  Even as I dished the finished product out to my dear family (who lovingly ate all of my past “experiments”) I’m wondering if it’ll be another flop.  I sat there waiting and watching.  Afraid to take my own bites.  I wanted to see their expressions.  I can almost feel the sweat beading up on my forehead as I recall the moment.  It’s silent.  I wait impatiently.  Finally, I blurt out awkwardly…SO…?  My husband gives me a devilish grin.  My son says mmmmmmmhmmmm.  Could it be?  My eyes darting back and forth at them waiting for more to see.  They were too busy shoving it all in.  It was time to take the plunge.  I took my first bite and I wasn’t repulsed.  Then I took another bite, and still not repulsed.  I wasn’t even close to being repulsed.  This was good.  I said aloud, “I finally mastered it”.  There you have it.  Add a cube of beef bouillon to your sauce and see how it works for you.  That’s my tip for meatier spaghetti.  Hopefully, you too can finally find that something extra you’re looking for.

Do you like a little garlic bread with spaghetti or with other dishes, but what the store has pre-made is too much for your family?  Maybe it’s too much for just you?  Maybe you feel it’s too expensive?  I may have a solution. 

All you need is one package of club rolls, butter, garlic powder, and garlic salt.  Let’s not forget the oven and a baking sheet or shallow pan to bake on.  The following is what I do and it works just as good if not better.  I can make as much or as little as I need in about 10 mins.  This works for me as I usually end up tossing the rest of the pre-made garlic bread because it sits in the fridge too long, and it’s too much for my small family to eat in one night.  Most people have butter (spreadable works best), garlic powder, and garlic salt in their home.  The nice thing is the club rolls which cost an average of $3.00 can be used for other things as well.  For example, homemade Philly cheese steak.  The following is the how to’s on how I make it.  Everyone has their own tastes though.  Since  it’s your kitchen…go to town!

What you need:

1 pkg of club rolls (I haven’t tried french rolls, but I think those would work too)

Spreadable butter

Garlic powder (the amount is up to you)

Garlic salt (the amount is up to you, but this one is more potent so judge carefully)

Time To Begin: 

-Preheat your oven to 325°

-Open the roll up which will make two pieces.  You can leave pieces connected or seperate.  Once again..up to you.

-Butter everything  first.  The center ..which is the top when the roll is spread open, then the top and bottom. 

-Get out the garlic powder and season to taste.   I usually lightly sprinkle an even layer over the center.

-Next a light (very light for me) sprinkle of garlic salt over the center.

-Pop it in the oven for about 5-6 minutes and that’s it.  The longer it’s in the oven, the crunchier it will become.  With less time spent in the oven, it will be more moist and soft.

I’m sure there are all kinds of variations possible with this as well.  Maybe some cheese or even take away the garlic powder and garlic salt. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope this post can be of some help to you.  Chow!