15 Minute + 5 Ingredient Meat Sauce

So the other day I snuck away for a little “me” time. My feet have been killing me and a little mani/pedi action was calling my name. I totally deserve it at 38+ weeks pregnant, right? Right!

Anyways, while enjoying my foot massage, which is the main reason I even go for a pedicure these days, I was able to enjoy a little Pioneer Woman on the television – and it was a pretty awesome episode to catch because it totally inspired my dinner plans for the evening.

Side Note: Don’t I deserve an award or something for slaving away over a hot stove at 38+ weeks pregnant? I think so too!

At first I will say that the photos don’t do this meal justice. I was a little rushed when taking pictures but trust me when I say that this dish is so easy, has just a few ingredients and is so delicious. I think my favorite part of the whole meal would have to be that I was able to throw together a quality, home cooked sauce {prepped in 15 minutes} with 5 main ingredients. Sounds amazing right? 

Disclaimer: This recipe takes more than 15 minutes to make {total time around 1 hour} but with only 15 minutes {or less if you are quick} of prep and the rest is just the sauce simmering on the stove top. Easy Peasy.

So I rounded down a bit 🙂

Here’s how it all went down:

1. Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 large onion, diced and cook until translucent. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, cooking 1 minute {do not to brown the garlic}
2. Add 1.5 lbs. ground beef and cook until brown. Drain excess fat. Add salt + pepper {to taste} and 1 big ol’ tsp. ground thyme. Stir to combine and add in a 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes with their juice. Stir, reduce heat to low, and cover pot. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover the pot and cook an additional 30 minutes.
3. Cook 1 1/2 – 2 lbs. rigatoni—don’t overcook! Drain and set aside.
4. Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan into the sauce. Check and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle sauce over cooked pasta, sprinkle with more Parmesan, and serve.

recipe a la The Pioneer Woman

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What’s the best homemade quick meal you’ve made?

Please share!

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