Why make a packaged ground beef dinner when you can make one that is just as easy and much more delicious. Serve it with a salad and crusty bread.
2 c. dry elbow macaroni or egg noodles
1 c. reserved pasta water
1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
1 1/2 c. chopped or grated onion
1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 t. seasoned salt, or to taste
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 t. Cajun seasoning or to taste, optional
1/2 t. paprika
1 1/2 t. dried Italian seasoning
2 t. dried parsley
2 small bay leaves
8 oz. tomato sauce
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 c. beef stock
pinch granulated sugar, optional
red pepper flakes, to taste, optional
Cook pasta al dente according to the package directions. When done, reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain pasta; set aside.
In a skillet, saute the ground chuck until browned; drain off and discard any excess fat. Add onion and garlic; continue cooking about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add seasoned salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, parsley, and bay leaves; cook 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, beef stock and sugar, scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer; cover; cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked, drained pasta; simmer until pasta is warmed through and desired consistency is reached, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time, if needed. Add red pepper flakes if using; stir; remove from heat; discard bay leaves.
Serve immediately.
4-6 servings.