Surviving Tuesdays: A Simple Pasta Solution
Utilizing Tomato Soup as a Pasta Sauce: Simple Steps
I find myself up before the sun most mornings, dealing with a sick baby, rushing out the door late, and spending the day fighting fires. By the time I'm finally home, exhausted and ravenous, I need a meal that's quick, cheap, and made from pantry staples. No need for fancy farm-fresh gourmet dishes or live-in chefs. On an average Tuesday, a hearty, homemade pasta dish will hit the spot just fine.
So what's the secret to this quick-fix pasta recipe? Tomato soup, that's what! Yes, you read that right. A can of condensed tomato soup transforms simple pasta and ground meat into a satisfying meal that'll save your day. Don't believe me? Give it a try, and you'll wonder why you haven't been doing this for years!
The Grandma-Approved Meal
This may not sound like haute cuisine, but let me tell you a secret: this recipe has been in the family for generations. Originally known as Creamettes and ground meat, it's a dish that's been passed down from mother to daughter for decades. It's been the saving grace of countless busy nights, filling bellies and soothing weary souls.
The ingredients are simple: pasta, ground meat, and, you guessed it, tomato soup. The secret ingredient that sets this pasta dish apart? That would be the tomato soup. So, let's dive right in and whip up a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meal at home.
Recipe: Grandma's Secret Tomato Soup Pasta
1. Brown the Meat
Start by browning a pound of ground beef, pork, or a mix, in a pan. For an extra flavor boost, you can use ground chuck, but if you're watching your waistline, ground turkey works great too.
2. Cook the Pasta
Next, cook 8 ounces of your preferred pasta shape, such as spaghetti or macaroni, in a large pot.
3. Combine and Heat
Combine the cooked pasta and browned ground meat in the large pot. Add a can of condensed tomato soup and heat until the contents are warm and evenly distributed. Salt to taste.
That's it! Serve your meal as is, or top it with shredded parmesan cheese for added flavor. You'll get 3-4 servings from this recipe, depending on the serving size.
Serving Suggestions
If you're looking for a bit more pizzazz, you can try the following variations:
- Sautéed onions and minced garlic added to the ground meat mixture.
- A sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little spicy kick.
- Stewed cherry tomatoes or other vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, mixed in with the tomato soup.
- Mixed greens, such as spinach or kale, stirred in at the end for some added nutrition.
- A creamier texture by warming the tomato soup with milk or cream prior to adding it to the pasta and meat.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
The next time you have one of those days, don't sweat it. This simple, budget-friendly pasta dish, prepared with regular old condensed tomato soup, will become your go-to meal for busy weeknights. And if you have kids? They'll love it too!
I'm hungry after reading about this quick pasta solution, especially since it's a budget-friendly meal made from pantry staples. Luckily, I have a can of condensed tomato soup at home, andI'll surely give this Grandma-approved meal a try this week. Uggggghhhhhh, I can already taste the hearty, homemade pasta dish after a long day. Plus, the nutrition from mixed greens or vegetables would be a great addition to balance out the meal.
