Cheeseburger Pasta- OAMC (Skillet Meal in a Bag)

I love the convenience of those skillet meals-in-a-bag (think Skillet Sensations or Bertolli meals) but hate the sodium content...and the price!! Well, make your own! Easy, simple, and all set for a quick, homemade meal!

Ingredients:

1/2 box pasta of choice (Chunkier works best: rotini, penne, rigatoni...I used rigatoni)

1/2 lb ground beef

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, lightly drained

1T. butter

1 T. flour

1 C. milk

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain and cool. When cool, scatter all over a large plate covered in wax paper and set in the freezer.

Pour tomatoes into ice cube trays and freeze (I added a little bit of sauce to mine, too!)

Prepare the pasta shapes according to box directions. Drain, cool. When cool, scatter over a large cookie sheet covered in wax paper; freeze. (I coat mine with a little EVOO before freezing to help with sticking)

In a skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring, until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese; add salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon one or two tablespoonfuls of sauce into ice cube trays (you want the ice cubes to be about half full at most). Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for several hours, until completely firm.When everything is well-frozen (the cheese sauce will take the longest to completely freeze), place contents together into freezer bags.

Preparation:

When you are ready to cook, dump the contents of bag into a skillet over medium heat. Cover for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Cover again, and continue to cook, stirring, until sauce cubes are completely melted and everything is heated through.

These also make wonderful gifts for giving to a new mom, homebound seniors, or anyone just needing a break from cooking!!