Step 1

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, brown ground beef.

Step 2

Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant. Adding the dry spices at this point will help release their flavors.

Step 4

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, beef base and bay leaves.

Step 5

Mix well and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6

Next, add pasta and cook for 7-9 minutes or until pasta is cooked through. Be sure to stir often to keep pasta from sticking to bottom of pan.

Step 7

Stir in cheese and remove from heat.

Step 8

Serve immediately. Don’t forget to remove bay leaves before serving.