What's For Dinner?

After working all day, the dreaded question arrives...about the time you realize you have made no plans.  Too much homework to go out to eat...so the Mom stands in front of the open refrigerator, perusing the options.

Hmmm...a pound of ground pork - thawed yesterday - needs to be used.  1/4 pound of ground sirloin leftover from the previous night's dinner.  7 mushrooms that will begin shrinking within the next day or so...and a half of a white onion.  Oooookay.  What's in the cabinet?  Half a box of whole wheat pasta spirals and a jar of Bertolli pasta sauce.   Sounds like pasta and meatballs with a red sauce to me!

I got out a bowl, the aforementioned ingredients, tossed in the meats, chopped the onion, put half of the onion in with the meat, seasoned with some dried basil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder...threw in an egg and about 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs.  Shaped some little meatballs and fried them off in olive oil.  Done.

Drained that pan and used a bit of the leftover oil to saute the sliced mushrooms and remaining onion - added the pasta sauce, brought to a gentle simmer.

Tossed the cooked pasta and the meatballs into the sauce mixture and  let it get snuggly for about 3 minutes.  Served topped with grated Parmesan.

We looked happily at our bowl of goodness...all ready in under 40 minutes.  Near disaster averted. (I almost ALWAYS have a menu planned in advance - this week has been crazy and I didn't get it done)  I am happy when an unplanned meal comes together!

Bon Appetit, Y'all!