A quick meal-in-one is just what is needed on super-busy days. Keep frozen mixed vegetables on hand for this recipe, along with canned tomatoes and macaroni. A pound of ground bee, f the other major ingredient, can be purchased as a last-minute item. For 4 servings you will need:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 med. onion, minced
1 can (1 lb. 12 oz.) tomatoes with liquid
1/2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese
Black olives and dill pickles for garnish

1. Crumble beef into large skillet with butter. Over high heat stir until meat is no longer pink. Add onion, turn heat to low.

2. Add tomatoes with liquid and macaroni. Stir to blend.

3. Heat to simmering. Add mixed vegetables. Cover and cook until vegetables are done and macaroni is tender, about 20 minutes.

4. Sprinkle with salt, oregano, basil and pepper.

5. Serve with Parmesan cheese to spoon over individual servings. Garnish with black olives and pickles, if you like.

Good served with: A tossed green salad and hot bread or rolls. For 2 servings: Half of the ingredients. For 8 servings: Double the ingredients but use the liquid only from 1 1/2 cans of tomatoes.