SERIOUS COMFORT FOOD!!

We call this lasagna (which it isn't) but it qualifies as serious comfort food and has all of the rich, familiar lasagna flavors.

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (browned and drained well)

4 cups of beef broth (I used canned)

(1) 15 ounce can of tomato sauce

(1) 12 ounce can of tomato paste

1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes

1 teaspoon dry oregano

2 teaspoons dry basil

1/2 teaspoon fennel seed (don't leave out)

1 teaspoons salt (leave out if you use bullion)

1 tablespoons sugar (don't leave out)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne (1/2 tsp if you like heat)

3/4 pound of rigatoni noodles

1/2 pound of mushrooms (thick sliced)
2 to 3 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded

Brown the ground beef and drain it very well. In a large crock pot (see note below), Mix the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion and spices. Use a whisk to mix the sauce together well, then stir in the meat and mushrooms. Cook on high for 4 hours (see note). Stir once in a while during the 4 hours if possible (but not absolutely necessary.

After 4 hours, Stir in the DRY unboiled rigatoni, make sure you push them under the sauce (add a little extra hot water if necessary). 

Continue to cook for 30-ish more minutes. Sprinkle the surface with shredded Colby jack cheese and put the lid back on for about 5 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted. Serve.

NOTE: My crock pot is a large...