Mediterranean Pasta Bake (a family-friendly meal idea)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This meal idea reminds me of a lasagne, with all the flavour and a lot less fuss.
Author:
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients
  • 375 g box of whole grain pasta rotini noodles (ex: Catelli Healthy Harvest)
  • 1.5 pounds (681 g) extra-lean ground beef
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chopped leafy greens (ex kale or spinach)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (1% MF)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large pan or pot, over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 10-15 minutes, breaking into small chunks with spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain fat and excess moisture.
  4. To the browned ground beef, add in onion, mushrooms and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. To the beef and vegetable mixture, add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices and leafy greens. Heat through.
  6. Stir in cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and reserved, cooked pasta. If in a hurry, you can serve your pasta bake right from here. For extra flavour, transfer hot mixture to a 9X13 baking dish that has been lightly misted with vegetable oil spray. Bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly.
  7. Serve with quick pickles or sliced cucumbers.
Recipe by Energize Nutrition at https://energizenutrition.ca/meal_idea_3_ways_pasta_bake/