Konnie's Tomato and Beef Macaroni Meal

This is another recipe of Dad's that I have called several time during the beginning of my marriage. I love it, and in turn Adam has learned to love it too! It's so easy to make and so easy customize. It's also SO much better than any goulash that I've had. I'm almost insulted to compare it to goulash. I'm going to give amounts of items, but this is so easy to customize, that it's just a guideline.

Ingredients:

• 1/2-1 lb. ground beef
• 1 md. onion
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomato (I prefer petite diced), including the juice
• 2-3 11.5 oz. can tomato juice
• 1/2-1 lb. pasta, elbow or bow tie (I prefer petite bow tie)
• Margarine/butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion. Salt and pepper to taste. Drain part of the fat (dad doesn't drain it since it adds flavor).
2. At the same time, cook pasta until only paritially cooked. You want this considerably under al dente, as it will finish cooking later. Drain the pasta. This is supposed to be slightly soupy. Trust me, the pasta will absorb the juice.
3. In the large pot, add tomatoes and tomato juice. You should have enough juice to come above the meat. Heat mixture until simmering.
4. Add pasta and cook until pasta is almost done. Add a spoonful of margarine/butter. Melt and stir through.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: I buy the small cans of tomato juice, just for this meal. I also use it to add a bit more to my leftovers to ensure they don't dry out.