Weeknight Meat Sauce

During the week its always tough to think of meals that are fresh, delicious and healthy for my husband. I don't cook for him all the time during the week, but on occasion I do like to surprise him with a homemade meal.  In addition to the difficulty associated with selecting an entree to cook, there's also the fact that after a long day of work its hard to come home and want to want to keep working (in the Kitchen).   All I really want to do is just veg on the couch (possibly with a glass of wine).  

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This Weeknight Meatsauce Recipe is great because not only is it quick, simple, flavorful and healthy, but the whole recipe can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes! If you are looking for a practical weeknight recipe this is definitely it!

Ingredients

  • 1lb Ground Sirloin 85% Lean 15%Fat
  • 1 Jar of Good Tomato Sauce
  • 4 Cloves of Fresh Garlic (Minced)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion Diced (fine)
  • 1/4c Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme
  • 2-3Tbs Olive Oil
  • Rotini (See Tips for Cooking Flavor-packed pasta)

Instructions

  1. In a large 12" skillet heat 3 Tbs of Olive Oil on medium-high heat
  2. When the pan is hot, add the minced garlic for about a minute or two and then add the diced onion
  3. Cook down the onion (also know as "sweating" the onion) down until the color appears slightly translucent
  4. Add the Ground Sirloin, Salt and Pepper to the pan
  5. Cook the meat until brown (almost cooked through) mixing frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula so that the meat breaks down into small pieces
  6. Once the meat is almost completely cooked, turn the burner down to low and add the jar of tomato sauce and stir to combine. *Caution the heat may cause the sauce to splatter so I suggest wearing an apron or some form of protective wear for your clothes.*
  7. Add the Oregano, Fresh Thyme leaves and Parmesan Cheese and stir well
  8. Allow sauce to simmer on low for approximately 2-3minutes
  9. Top your favorite pasta with this sauce and garnish with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil