Beef, Vegetable and Cheese Casserole |
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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 70 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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I am always looking for healthier ways of cooking for my family. This is one recipe that I have made and frozen for those hectic days. Originally found this one the Weight Watchers Site and tweaked it to my family's taste. 7 Points/6 Servings (Can be prepared and frozen for OMC) Ingredients:
cooking spray (5 one-second sprays per serving) |
2 medium tomatoes, sliced |
2 medium zucchini, sliced |
12 ounces raw lean ground beef |
1 large onion, finely chopped |
2 medium garlic cloves, minced |
1 cup canned tomato sauce |
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese |
1 large egg yolk |
1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese (or any low fat cheese of your choice) |
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped |
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped |
1/8 teaspoon table salt, to taste |
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, to taste |
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 500ºF.
2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread tomatoes and zucchini over sheet. Roast vegetables for 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Meanhwile, in a large, nonstick skillet, sauté beef, onion and garlic until beef is browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Spread beef mixture in a 9x9 baking dish and top with roasted vegetables.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF.
7. Whisk together cottage cheese, egg yolk, cheddar cheese, herbs, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
8. Spoon over roasted vegetables and smooth with a rubber spatula.
9. Bake until very hot and bubbling around edges, about 35 minutes.
10. Cut into six equal pieces and serve.
11. (Note: If preparing casserole in advance and freezing it, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking it. Increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.).
12. Flavor Booster: To give this dish an Italian accent, substitute fat-free ricotta cheese for cottage cheese and use 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in place of the cheddar. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil just before serving.
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