Budget Friendly Pasta Bake

I could probably eat pasta everyday, but I don't. I could also probably eat chocolate everyday.

Which I almost do.

What could you eat everyday and not get sick of?

Of course everything I would list is not healthy, so I'm not even going to mention them. Except for pasta.

This dish came together quickly the other night, even after getting home late with a hungry husband and little man waiting in the wings. Lets just say they approved.

I call this dish budget friendly, well, because it is. The most expensive item was the ground beef and that can even be omitted if you like, but of course the husband doesn't really like any meal without "meat", so I threw it in.

And this makes a TON. I filled two casserole dishes full and froze one to eat next week. Do you see my new Rachael Ray casserole dishes? I totally recommend them!

Budget Friendly Pasta Bake

1 lb. pasta

1 lb. ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained

1 can diced tomatoes

1 small jar spaghetti sauce (about 2 cups)

1 1/2 c. mushrooms

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

1 T. oregano

mozzarella cheese

salt/pepper to taste

In salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile in skillet cook ground beef until done and drain. Drain pasta and add all other ingredients into pasta pot. Stir to combine. Add a little of the pasta water if too thick.

Divide into two casserole dishes, top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.

And serve, of course, with the Italian vegetable side dish of choice.

Garlic Bread.