Pappardelle Bolognese

Here is another one of my favorite dishes that my hubby has mastered.  It is almost a dump, dump recipe.  This means there is minimal chopping and prep.  Tasty enough for any day of the week and special enough for dinner guests.  The secret?  Letting it simmer for the day!

Pappardelle Bolognese
adapted from Trader Joe's Pasta Package

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1  4 oz. package Trader Joe's pancetta {optional}

1 lb. hamburger OR Trader Joe's beefless ground beef

1/2 of 1 small onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced...or 1 Tbsp. garlic powder if you are into fast and easy!

1/2 cup red wine {I use Blue Fin Pinot Noir}

1 28 oz. can Italian crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. salt

1 package sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup cream {optional...but oh.so.good!}

2  8 oz. packages Trader Joe's Pappardelle Pasta...cooked according to directions.

Freshly shredded Parmesan for serving.

Directions:

*In a large saut'e pan over medium heat, heat olive oil, pancetta, hamburger, onion and garlic.

*Cook until burger is brown.

*Add wine, tomatoes, seasonings and mushrooms.

*Allow to simmer for as long as possible.  The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.  :}

*Cook Pasta and toss with a bit of olive oil.

*Add cream to sauce about five minutes before serving.

*Top with Bolognese SAUCE.  Sprinkle on the cheese.

Serve with fizzy apple juice, crusty bread, and a Caesar salad!

Enjoy!