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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Fat-free cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar make this creamy casserole lower in fat and calories. It's a good way to get our kids to eat spinach in disguise . Carol Lepak of Sheboygan, Wisconsin Ingredients:
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta |
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, cubed |
1/2 cup fat-free milk |
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry |
1 teaspoon dried oregano |
1 pound ground beef |
2 garlic cloves, minced |
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce |
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce |
1 can (6 ounces) no-salt-added tomato paste |
2 teaspoons chili powder |
1 teaspoon ground cumin |
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese |
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained |
1/4 cup sliced green onions |
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in milk. Stir in spinach and oregano; set aside.
2. In a nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the picante sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture.
3. In a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer half of the meat mixture and all of the spinach mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture.
4. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with olives and onions. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Yield: 8 servings.
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