4cupschicken stockor beef stock - homemade or organic, no-sodium store bought
2cupswhole grain small pastapreferably stelini pasta, or pasta stars
2leavesfresh basiloptional
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheeseoptional
Instructions
Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, chop onion, celery and carrot into small cubes, about 1/4 inch in size and set aside.
In a separate pot, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove from pot and drain on plate covered with a paper towel. Turn down heat to medium.
Add onions, celery, carrots and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, or until onions are transparent. Add ground beef back to the pot along with tomato paste and stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
When water comes to a boil in large stock pot, add and cook stelini pasta (or other small pasta such as orzo or acini de pepe) according to package instructions. Once tender, drain pasta in colander.
Add cooked pasta to sauce mixture and mix thoroughly. Mix in parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
Freezing Tip: You can make a batch of this Bébé Bolognese and freeze in silicone cupcake tins. Once frozen, pop out of silicone and store in freezer bags. These perfect portions of homemade goodness will last about 3 months and can come quite in handy. Just reheat and serve. And feel free to lick the bowl... I promise it tastes better than the shelf-stable meals found in your corner grocery store.