Healthy Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Photo: Kristi Rimkus

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 large red bell (capsicum) peppers, c

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound extra lean ground beef

1 pinch red pepper

2 teaspoons thyme, fresh minced

2 teaspoons oregano, fresh minced

32 ounces spaghetti sauce, jarred, Prego Veggie Smart

1 cup water

8 ounces whole grain spaghetti noodles

Garnish:

1/2 cup fresh basil

8 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded

Preparation

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook another 5 – 8 minutes until beef is cooked through.

Add spaghetti sauce, water, red pepper, thyme, and oregano. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 20 – 30 minutes until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender.

In the meantime cook pasta according to package directions. I bring a big pot of water to a boil over high heat and add pasta, cooking about 15 minutes until a string of pasta, when tasted is just tender. Drain the pasta in a colander.

Top pasta with sauce with basil and Parmesan cheese.