Speedy Pasta Pie

Simple as pie…
This recipe is way faster to make than lasagne, and you have the option of making two pans, so you can freeze one for a future meal (baking from frozen for about 1-1/2 hours). You can also assemble it ahead and refrigerate to bake later, baking for 10 minutes longer. When baked in a single lasagna pan, this recipe is perfect for potluck and buffet-style dinners.

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

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.

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