Last night, the cupboard was scattered. I am trying not to go shopping again till Christmas.
Digging through the cupboards. What are those noodles, Slightly ribbed 1/4 to lightly less than 1/2 when cooked. Ah ha. Dug out a pack of frozen hamburger and thawed it gently in the microwave, which is to say-- take it out before its completely thawed and pry or cut it into smaller peice, and if need be. After you start cooking it, you can put a glass lid on your skillet just till you can break it apart into large crumbles or lesser chunks. You don't want to cook it to soggy and you use a slotted spoon to transfer it to your pot later.
I buy preferrabley 18 to 12 percent fat burger. Enough for flavor and not to cremate in a iron skillet with just a smear of oil, but not enough to give you that greasy taste. In a pinch I will buy 20 percent lean, but no more fat than that. I buy it nearly every shopping trip in big packs and then devide them into lesser amounts and store in storage bags ziplocks in the freezer. Lets say 1 1/2 lb packages or slightly more if you have more than 3 -4 people. Its a go to when you are lazy or desperately wanting not to get into "real" cooking.
I also had canned organic Diced Tomatos which are a staple in this house. I buy them by the box. I needed 2 cans. I use these instead of adding tomato sauce unless I want a heavier sauce. Much fresher taste. And oh Glory! There was a 8 oz jar of Prego Basil Pesto.This is a must for me if the weather outside does not support Basil plants. Bag of shredded Mozzerlla in the fridge. Canned whole Corn, not creamed, in the cupboard.
Do a happy dance. Turn oven on to 350.
Put your noodles in a pot of water on the stove and start it to heating. When its boiling add a little salt, and noodles and cook till they are easily cut with a spoon but not over cooked. Pull off and pour into cullender in sink and let drain.
Put your meat on and fry and chop till you get the size chunks that you want. Add some salt and pepper to your taste, but not real heavy please. Your meat should finish with very little fat. If theres too much scoop off into another pan. If not too much fat, add the 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Stir. Add your needs of Italian seasoning, some grated Oregeno ( comes in a little container with grater) or just a generous amount rubbed in your hand. Less oregano to about the same amount as the Italian seasoning.
This is not rocket science, Its food for the soul. Add roughly 2 oz. of the canned juicy Basil Pesto. Put the rest in the refrigerater.
Now you can salt your sauce if you need too but please don't over do it.
Pour your noodles in a glass oven pan. Pour the sauce over them, folding it in.
Top with a very generous layer of Shredded Mozzerlla and pop into the oven. After 15 min, turn your oven up to 375.
let them cook until Mozzerella is a brown topping, just not totally burnt.
I serve with canned whole corn and simple salad.
Even my daughter went back for thirds.
This is joy food. But don't eat it all the time. You will gain weight.
