Sweet and Spicy Meat Sauce

I made this variation of meat sauce last night for dinner. It's actually a Weight Watchers recipe. David tried it and has decided he likes it better than our regular spaghetti dinner! It's definitely different, but super yummy! I don't know if I will replace my usual meat sauce, but this is a tasty variation.

SWEET AND SPICY MEAT SAUCE

3/4 lb. ground lean beef

1 white onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped

1/4 c. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground pepper

4 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat. Add the white onion, garlic, and jalapeno; cook 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens. Add the cumin and cinnamon; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro. Serve with pasta and cheese.

I used a whole pound of hamburger (David likes it meatier and who uses only 3/4 lb??). I also used 2 (14 oz) cans of diced tomatoes instead. I also used the whole 6 oz. can of tomato paste. I realize this is 3x what the recipe calls for but I hate having leftover tomato paste floating in the fridge for weeks. It just made it a thicker sauce. It was interesting, definitely worth the try!