Did your mom have a recipe that was so simple, they were ashamed of it? Like, you’d brag about how good it was, and want it at least once a week, but they were embarrassed to share it with anyone because it was so painfully simple to make they thought it didn’t even count as a recipe? For my mom, it was Spanish Macaroni. 

I think it was Grandma that actually made it up, and I loved it. Still do. It is indeed painfully simple. I don’t even know what makes it so good, but it’s delicious and satisfying and super cheap, too. Comfort food at its best. 

So this Mother’s Day, I’m going to celebrate my Mom’s most basic recipe because it makes me happy and I need to remember happy things on Mother’s Day because I’m determined to stop hating Mother’s Day, and start being happy I was lucky enough to have the time I did with her. So let’s make one of my childhood favorites Spanish macaroni. 

All you need to start is ground hamburger. Cook it over medium heat until it is well browned, then toss in a tablespoon or two of chili powder, depending on how spicy you like things, and salt. Cook that for about one more minute before adding two cans of stewed tomatoes, and a can of tomato sauce. 

Stir until well mixed then set aside while you boil macaroni noodles until cooked. Drain the noodles and add the sauce. That’s it! Told you it was simple. 

I come from a big family, so this recipe was priceless for my Mom because it could feed an army on short notice. And by an army, I mean my hungry brothers who could eat three bowls a piece. You’ll probably have more leftovers than we ever did, but it’s one of those dishes that’s even better the next day. 

I hope you enjoy as much as I always do, and I hope you spend this Mother’s Day remembering things your mom did that made you happy, no matter how simple they were. And if you don’t have happy memories of your Mom, well, you can borrow this one from mine. I can’t think of anything that would make my mom happier than knowing her cooking had the chance to comfort people again, just like it did when she was still alive. 

I was lucky enough to find it in a vintage community cookbook she contributed to, and it meant the world to me, reminding me why these humble paperbacks are so special. So, thanks for sharing your recipe, Mom, and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone. Even if you hate it as much as me.