A Working Mom's Meal Plan

The hardest part of my day is when we get home and everyone is immediately hungry. I love to cook and prefer
home-cooked meals, but I don't like to cook much during the work week. And yet, dinner has to get on the table...
My solution: make-ahead meals, freeze-ahead meals and recipes so easy that I'll make them on a Monday. I cook
mostly on the weekends, always doubling recipes, and rely heavily on my extra freezer and a decently-stocked pantry.
This cooking style saves me time and money, and it makes my life simpler—so I can actually enjoy sitting down
to supper at 6 with my family. I hope these recipes will make the witching hour a little better at your house too.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Lasagna Bow Ties

A hearty dish that tastes like meat lasagna but doesn't require a bit of layering. My kids like it with bow ties, but you could use whatever you have on hand. (from Tasty Kitchen)

1 box of farfalle pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb hamburger
jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Start water boiling first, then cook pasta until just al dente. Drain pasta, return it to the pot and toss with the olive oil.

Meanwhile, cook the hamburger until browned and drain if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and sour cream and simmer for a few minutes until combined. Mix with the pasta and cheese and cook over low heat until cheese starts to melt.

*You could add a little chopped spinach to this, or substitute a different kind of sauce. Leftovers heat up nicely in the microwave for lunch the next day or another dinner later in the week.

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