Speedy Pasta Pie

Name: Speedy Pasta Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 box (375 g) whole wheat spaghetti or macaroni; 1 lb 500 g Extra Lean or Lean Ground Beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 to 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5 mL) dried Italian herb seasoning; 1 pkg (454 g) light ricotta cheese; 1 pkg (300 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp 2 mL pepper; 4 cups 1 L fat- and sodium-reduced pasta sauce; 1/4 cup 50 mL grated light Parmesan-style cheese

in All Recipes, Casseroles, Ground Beef, Oven, Pasta Dish Comfort Foods, Cook Once Eat Twice, Dollar Wise, Kid Friendly

Speedy Pasta Pie

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 45
Total Time: 60
Serving: 12

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Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook beef, onion, garlic and Italian seasoning in large deep frypan over medium heat for 8 to10 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked and any liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta, spinach, 1 cup (250 mL) of the mozzarella and pepper; combine well. Toss with cooked pasta (don’t worry if pasta tears).

Spread 1-1/3 (325 mL) pasta sauce into each of two 9-inch (23 cm) deep-dish glass pie plates; layer with pasta mixture. Spread remaining pasta sauce over top of each; sprinkle each with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella. (Can be covered and refrigerated or frozen.) Cover loosely with foil and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting to serve.

Lasagne-style Pasta Pie: Spread 1-1/3 cups (325 mL) pasta sauce in 13 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Top with pasta mixture and remaining pasta sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella.

Heart-Healthy Makeover: We used lean ground beef and lighter cheeses along with fat and sodium-reduced pasta sauce. This dish is a great way to sneak in some spinach for the spinach adverse.