My Family's Favorite All-in-One Meal

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Jan 2008 11:20 AM

Yesterday I told you about a rare event in my home-having extra ground beef in the refrigerator. It came in very handy in preparing a number of easy and affordable all-in-one meals. Not only did I have enough meat to make the Beef and Asparagus Pasta Toss and the Sloppy Joes on Wheels I also had a pound leftover to make one of my family's favorite Sunday night dinners--Easy Meatballs, Vegetables and Pasta. (Don't let the name fool you--they are more like meat squares than balls.) Only this week our favorite Sunday meal will be served on Monday, as we will be eating dinner at a football viewing party tonight.

Regardless, this recipe is perfect for busy parents who don't have time to create elaborate multi-course meals. In this one dish, which combines meat, veggies and pasta you will be able to provide your family with healthy portions from three main food groups. And the best part--they will actually enjoy eating it.

SUPER SIMPLE MEATBALL, VEGGIES AND PASTA

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

3 cups (12 ounces) frozen Italian vegetable mixture

1 jar (approximately 26 ounces) prepared spaghetti sauce

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, salt and pepper; mix thoroughly.

In an 8-inch square baking dish, press beef mixture into 1/2-inch-thickness.

Bake in 375-degree oven 20 minutes to medium (160 degrees) or until center is no longer pink and juices show no pink color. Carefully pour off drippings. Cut beef mixture into 16 squares.

Meanwhile cook pasta following package directions. Approximately 6 minutes before pasta is done, stir in vegetables. Drain; keep warm.

In large saucepan, combine meat, veggies and pasta. Heat until warm then serve.

Garnish with shredded cheese.

Related Articles:

Simple and Tasty Ways to Use Extra Ground Beef

Two Easy Ground Beef Dishes: Beef Penne Pasta Bake, and Mexicali Beef Rice

Two Speedy Ground Beef Suppers for Busy Weekday Nights

Spicy Sloppy Joes with Cold and Crunchy Coleslaw

Ground Beef and Cheddar Bake

Macaroni With Beef and Tomatoes - Perfect for large families

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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