When the meat has browned, add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well until the tomato paste is completely mixed in. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until the pasta is cooked, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, if desired. Serve at once, passing Parmesan cheese at the table, if desired.
Diced tomatoes come in many varieties.
Beverly Mills is a former food editor at the Miami Herald. Alicia Ross is a former food columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer. They have been living the desperate life for the last nine years.