Taco Lover's Pasta Sauce

What a great way to give the boring Spaghetti nights a BAM!

8 ounces lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium green, red, or yellow sweet pepper, seeded and chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper

10 ounces whole wheat or regular dried pasta

2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

In a large saucepan cook beef, onion, sweet pepper, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Just before

serving, stir cilantro into sauce. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.