Baked Pasta

Are you looking for a quick and easy dish to make?  Look no further!  My kids and I threw this together today.  We are trying to stretch out grocery shopping as much as possible and really try to use what we have on hand.  So, after going through the pantry, this is what we came up with.  It was yummy!

I also love taking a basic recipe and switching it up.  This recipe is very easy to alter.  Try it Italian style like we did or maybe make it Mexican style; the sky is the limit!

1 pound ground beef

1 –2 tablespoons finely diced onions

1 garlic clove finely diced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

salt

pepper

1 – 2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 – 1/2 cups Colby Jack Cheese

2 (15 oz. size) cans tomato sauce

1 box of your favorite pasta

In a large pot of boiling and very salted water, add the pasta and cook till tender. Drain.

Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.  When onion is translucent add about a teaspoon of salt and the 1/2 tablespoons of Italian Seasoning and pepper.  Cook till hamburger is done and the onions are tender.  I cook the onions till they fall apart so they disappear into the sauce.

Drain hamburger and add back to the pot or skillet.  Pour in the tomato sauce and brown sugar and the other 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.  Heat through and taste.  Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Spray a baking sheet with Pam and pour in your drained pasta and the sauce.  Mix thoroughly and top with cheese.  Bake at 450 degrees till cheese is melted.

Variations:  Change the seasonings or the cheese!  Use Italian seasoning with mozzarella cheese.  Taco seasonings with Colby, Monterrey Jack or Cheddar.  Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef.  You could even used diced tomatoes or add sneak in some veggies.