Also known as slumgullion, this dish was a low-budget recipe that could feed a big family. The original called for several canned items. This version uses more fresh vegetables and is brighter in flavor, but still homey and comforting.

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a large baking dish and set aside.

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain (reserving 1 cup of pasta water) and place in a large bowl. Pour tomatoes over pasta and let sit.

• In a heavy skillet, brown the meat. Add pepper and onion. Sauté another 4 to 5 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, Bloody Mary mix, parsley, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

• Stir meat mixture into pasta and tomatoes. If mixture isn't juicy enough, add some of the reserved pasta water. Pour into the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with cheese. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Cheesy Elk Dip

So simple to make and hearty, too. Combine 1 pound browned ground elk or other big-game meat with 1 can (10-ounces) Ro-Tel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and stir in 16 ounces of cubed pasteurized process cheese such as Velveeta. When cheese is melted, serve with corn chips.