Meaty Mac!

This is one of my favorite dinner recipes, which I created myself.  It is a macaroni dish with a creamy tomato meat sauce.  Finely chopped vegetables cut the acidity and give it a tiny bit of crunch.  This dish is great for family dinners and potlucks.  It can also serve as that perfect something to take to a friend who has had a new baby or lost a loved one.  This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days and tastes great as leftovers.  Makes 6 main dish servings.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. oil
1/3 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
4 cloves fresh garlic, finally chopped
1 lb. 92% lean ground beef
1 5 oz. can Italian seasoned tomato paste
2 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions:

Chop vegetables and mix together to make vegetable confetti.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add vegetable confetti and saute for 2 minutes.

Add meat to skillet and cook until thoroughly browned.  Add tomato paste and stir until combined.

Add cans of tomatoes one at a time.  Simmer for 5 minutes after each can.  Add cream in two batches.  Simmer for 3 minutes after each half. 

Add cheese and stir thoroughly to melt into sauce.  Add macaroni to pan and cook for 2 to minutes, stirring to combine.  Remove from heat and serve.  Garnish with additional grated Parmesan.

Happy Eating!