One-Pot Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 onion (optional)
• 1 tbsp A Spice Affair Granulated Garlic
• 2 tbsp A Spice Affair Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp A Spice Affair GPS
• 3 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz / 398 ml) plain tomato sauce (I use a 28 oz tin)
• 3 cups uncooked fusilli, rotini, or “Scoobi-Doo” pasta
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions (One-Pan Method)

1. Brown the Meat & Onion
   In a large sauté pan or deep skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, and GPS.
2. Add Liquids & Pasta
   Add the water, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–17 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
4. Finish with Cheese
   Stir in the milk and grated mozzarella. Continue simmering and stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
   Optional but recommended: sprinkle a little extra cheese on top 🧀😋

Serving Suggestions & Tips

• Toppings: Add more shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a “fancy” finish
• Sides: Serve with a Caesar or garden salad to boost veggies. Garlic bread pairs perfectly
• Variations:
  • Substitute ground pork for a more economical option — it’s extra tender and absorbs those zesty Italian flavours beautifully
  • Use 2% or whole milk for best results; coffee cream works in a pinch