Homestyle Hamburger Macaroni #AD

The first time I saw the new RAGÚ Homestyle Sauces, I knew I was going to have to try them.  Better yet, I knew exactly which one of Dads recipes I would use it in too.  Im so thankful to have these written down. And not just because they are in his handwriting, but because he never measured and it was nice to finally have some measurements. Usually spices were measured in "some" or "a big pinch."

When someone mentions Homestyle cooking what do you think of?  I think of the many days I sat on our kitchen counter watching Dad make dinner. I remember standing on a stool and helping cut peel and mince garlic,  I loved being the taste tester.  And I think of having all these memories of my boys and I doing the same thing.  That's homestyle to me.  It doesn't have to be made from scratch or the be made with fancy ingredients. But something made with family and a whole lot of love.

Friday was my 34th Birthday.  When my sister called and asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate, I told her I just wanted her to come over and cook with me.  I love having my boys in the kitchen with me, but having my sister with me is a gift in itself.  So we pulled out some of the recipes Dad had written down for me when I first moved away from home and got to work with a little help from our friends at RAGÚ.

 

This Hamburger Macaroni is simple, easy and frugal.  It was his go to dinner on nights when he was working late or nights.  It takes less than 30 minutes to throw together and when doubled, fed our big family perfectly. He would serve it up with garlic bread and salad.  And let's not forget to mention the cheese. Right? Extra cheese on top for me!  

You will need:

• 1 jar of RAGÚ Homestyle Sauces
• 1lb ground beef or turkey
• 10oz pasta of your choice.  Elbow and Rotini are my fav
• 1 medium onion
• 1t chili powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• garlic powder to taste
• 2 c grated cheese  

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil and cook pasta.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the onions and meat till no longer pink.
3. Add 1t chili powder and other spices to taste.
4. Mix the pasta into the meat.
5. Add 1 c of of Ragu Homestyle Sauce or more if needed.
6. Stir in grated cheese until everything is mixed well.
7. Serve up and enjoy.

Printable Version

I can't say how many times I have made this recipe over the years.  I think this RAGÚ Homestyle Sauce has worked the best so far.  It sticks to the pasta perfectly and is the perfect blend of spices.  No artificial flavors, coloring or high fructose corn syrup.  There are so many ways to use it.  Visit the RAGÚ website and find more recipe inspiration.  We used the Thick and Hearty Sauce this time around but I think next time I will try the 4 cheese or Traditional. 

I would love to know what homestyle cooking means to you!  Did you grow up cooking?  Do certains smells take you back to great memories in the kitchen?  Which RAGÚ Homestyle Sauce are you looking forward to trying the most?