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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 59 Minutes |
Ready In: 74 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Another option for preparing this Greek-inspired dish is to cook it in individual gratin dishes. Simply layer 1/3 cup noodles, 2/3 cup meat sauce, another 1/3 cup noodles, 1/4 cup white sauce, and 2 tablespoons cheese in each of 6 gratin dishes and bake for 12 minutes. Individual dishes can be frozen for up to 2 weeks and hold 2 servings each. Ingredients:
1 pound ground round |
1 cup chopped onion |
1/2 cup chopped carrot |
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes |
1 teaspoon salt, divided |
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided |
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry |
1 teaspoon dried oregano |
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
2 cups uncooked penne pasta |
4 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk |
14 black peppercorns |
1 small onion, thinly sliced |
1 bay leaf |
3 tablespoons light butter |
1/3 cup all-purpose flour |
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg |
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh parmesan cheese, divided |
cooking spray |
Directions:
1. Cook beef, onion, and carrot in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain well; return meat mixture to pan. Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and next 4 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 28 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
3. Combine milk and next 3 ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat to 180° or until tiny bubbles form around edge (do not boil). Remove from heat. Cover; let stand 10 minutes. Strain mixture through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Set milk mixture aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375°.
5. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour, stirring well with a whisk. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk mixture, stirring well with a whisk; cook over medium heat until thick (about 10 minutes). Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Reserve 1 1/2 cups sauce.
6. Combine pasta and remaining cheese sauce. Spoon half of pasta mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon meat mixture over pasta. Top with remaining pasta mixture. Pour reserved cheese sauce evenly over pasta layer. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese.
7. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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