A few weeks ago I found myself with a lot of leftover sloppy joe sauce. Since I have a love affair with pasta I decided to try it as a pasta sauce and I have to say I was really pleased. It was a twist on regular old pasta and sauce but still kept the kiddos happy.
Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of this meal. There is a very good reason for this…the honest answer is just as I was thinking of taking a pic I realized that this dish looks a lot like Hamburger Helper. Not the most glamorous sight. So I decided against a pic but believe me that while it might not look beautiful it is still yummy and leaves Hamburger Helper in the dust.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 2 packages McCormick sloppy joe mix
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder (optional)
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
- 1 can tomato sauce (NOT jarred pasta sauce. Rather, Hunts or Del Monte brand canned tomato sauce)
- 1 can of water
- 1 package spaghetti
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef and sloppy joe mix according to directions on mix making sure to drain grease from beef before adding the mix. Add chili powder if you like your sloppy joes to have a little more kick.
- If you have the time, make the meat mixture the day before and keep it in the fridge. Typically, this type of sauce is more flavorful after it's had time to sit and let the flavors mingle. Or, make way ahead and freeze it for those weeknights when you just don't know what to do for dinner.
- Add Cream of Mushroom soup, tomato sauce and one can of water and stir to combine. Simmer on stove top. Cook pasta to al dente. Drain pasta, add to the meat mixture and combine until all the pasta is incorporated into the sauce.
Enjoy!
For more from Stephanie, visit her blog at www.hugskissesandsnot.com.