Beef and Crunchy Onion Casserole

INGREDIENTS

3 cups

dry, medium sized shell pasta

1 tbsp

olive oil

1 cup

chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion

1/2 cup

green bell pepper

2 tsp

minced garlic

1 lb

ground beef

( 14.5 ounce ) can of stewed tomatoes

( 8 ounce ) can of tomato sauce

1 tbsp

chopped fresh basil

1 tsp

dried parsley

1/2 tsp

Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama )

Kosher salt

1 tsp

beef base (like Better Than Bouillon ), optional

( 10.5 ounce ) can cream of onion or mushroom soup

1 cup

shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2

to 2 cups of French fried onions