Italian Family Casserole

Heat oil in saute pan on medium high heat until shimmering. Add onion to pan and reduce heat to medium. Stir to prevent over browning. When onion is starting to color add ground beef, breaking it up while the meat browns. When all the meat is browned, stir in salt, pepper, and herbs. Add garlic, stirring for 5 to 10 seconds, before pouring in tomatoes with juice and green beans. Lower heat to simmer while pasta cooks.

Cook pasta according to package directions. I prefer egg noodles or elbow macaroni but other varieties work as well. When pasta is slightly underdone, drain and add to other ingredients. Allow pasta to finish cooking in sauce, 5 to 10 minutes. If sauce appears too watery, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added to thicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe is flexible. Vegetables other than green beans can be added or substituted. Chopped green peppers or mushrooms could be added with the onions. Frozen broccoli, corn, or peas added with drained pasta. If frozen vegetables are used, cooking time will be a little longer.