Elise Bauer

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb

penne pasta (use rice pasta for gluten-free version)

Salt

2 tbsp

olive oil

2 cups

chopped onion (about 1 large onion)

2 cloves

garlic, chopped

1 tsp

Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and savory)

red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp

fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb

(16% fat) ground beef

fresh basil leaves, chopped (or a 1/2 teaspoon of dried)

2 1/2 cups

canned chunky tomato sauce (almost 1 28-ounce can, Muir Glen brand if you can get it)

1 tsp

sugar

1 tbsp

chopped fresh parsley