Baked Penne

About This Recipe

Baked penne pasta mixed with a ground beef tomato sauce, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta noodles (uncooked, gluten free if needed)
• 2½ lbs ground beef (90/10)
• 28 oz petite diced tomatoes
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp oregano (dried)
• 1 tbsp basil (dried)
• 15 oz low fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 10 oz spinach (1 bag)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium high heat, add the ground beef and brown.
2. While the beef is cooking, dice the onion and add to the pot with the beef. Add the minced garlic as well. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Once the meat has browned, add in the cans of petite diced and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano and basil. Allow the mixture to boil for 10-20 minutes to cook out the tomato flavor.
4. Chop up the spinach and add to the pot. Stir to incorporate and wilt the leaves.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
6. While the beef and sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the packaging. Drain the water.
7. Once the noodles and sauce have finished cooking, combine the two together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. In a large casserole or baking dish, add about half of the noodle mixture in a single layer. Spread out the ricotta cheese over the top of this layer and pour the remaining noodle mixture over the top.
9. Top the entire dish with the parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
10. Place the dish on a sheet pan to protect from any leakage and place into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Watch it closely as you don't want to burn the cheese. If it gets too brown you can cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
11. Allow the casserole to rest and cool before cutting into it.
12. This recipe makes 8 servings. Divide the tray into 8 equal sized pieces and add to each of your dishes.