• 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• pinch crushed hot pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, combine the beef, onion, hot pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook, stirring often to break up any large lumps, until the meat is browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add 2 1/2 cups water, the marinara sauce, and spaghetti and bring to a boil, stirring often. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, until the spaghetti is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 13 to 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat and let the pan stand, covered, 5 minutes. Season with pepper to taste and serve sprinkled with the cheese.

Serves 4.