Beef and Asparagus Pasta Toss

Cook ground beef until no longer pink, seasoning with black pepper and Italian Seasoning, if desired. Drain. Remove to a serving bowl; set aside. In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and cook sliced green onions for 1 minute. Mince the garlic with a garlic press (or finely chop) into the skillet with the onion; cook for an additional minute or until onion and garlic are cooked but not burnt. Add the hamburger back in and stir to combine.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta until almost al dente. With about four minutes of cooking time left, add the stems of the asparagus. With about two minutes left in the cooking time, add the tips of the asparagus. Make certain the pasta is cooked thoroughly; drain completely.

Stir together the pasta mixture with the meat mixture. Add a touch more olive oil, Italian seasoning and shredded asiago cheese, if desired. (Of course, I do not use the asiago, as I am not a cheese lover (gagging noise).) Mix well. Serve.

Make appropriate oohing and aahing noises and be sure to give me credit when your family calls you a genius.