Simple Meat Sauce (with vegetarian option)

One of my favorite comfort meals is my grandmother’s spaghetti. It cooks low & slow and makes the house smell delicious. This isn’t a replacement for that, but when I’m looking for something quick to make, with ingredients I have on hand, this is a great go-to. You can serve it with a small, simple side salad or roasted veggies (we happen to enjoy roasted broccoli!).

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Ingredients

1 pound ground meat (beef, bison or turkey)

1 24-oz jar of marinara sauce (I prefer Primal Kitchen’s Tomato Basil)

8-12 ounces pasta (either all one kind or a mix of different pastas you have on hand)

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional:

1-2 teaspoons avocado oil

Need-to-use veggies: spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, onions (diced)

1-2 tablespoons tomato paste

Parmesan, for serving

Vegetarian option:

1-2 cups canned or pre-cooked lentils in lieu of ground meat

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and cook per packing instructions.

2. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. If using zucchini, peppers or onion, add 1 teaspoon of avocado oil to the pan and cook veggies for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add ground meat, salt & pepper, and break it apart until cooked through.

3. Once the meat is cooked, add tomato paste if using and stir around until combined; pour in marinara and bring to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. If using spinach, add that to the sauce and cook until wilted.

4. When pasta is done, drain and spoon into bowls or onto plates. Top with sauce, grated parmesan (if using), serve & enjoy!

Vegetarian Option

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and cook per packing instructions.

2. If using zucchini, peppers or onion, add 1 teaspoon of avocado oil to the pan and cook veggies for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add in lentils to warm through.

3. Add tomato paste if using and stir around until combined; pour in marinara and bring to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. If using spinach, add that to the sauce and cook until wilted.

4. When pasta is done, drain and spoon into bowls or onto plates. Top with sauce, grated parmesan (if using), serve & enjoy!

RECIPE BY:  BETHANY MITCHELL-LEGRO