Baked Macaroni & Beef Casserole

This casserole can be assembled ahead and baked later; if it's refrigerated,
increase baking time to 30 minutes.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

3 ounces elbow macaroni
8 ounces lean ground beef (10% or less fat)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup tomato sauce (no salt added)
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 ounces skim-milk mozzarella cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350o F. In large pot of boiling water, cook macaroni 8-10
minutes, until tender. Drain, discarding liquid; set aside. In large nonstick
skillet, cook beef, stirring to break up meat, 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink.
Remove from heat; set aside. Spray medium nonstick skillet with nonstick
cooking spray; heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook over medium-high heat,
stirring frequently, 5 minutes, until vegetables are softened. Add tomato
sauce, parsley, basil, thyme, black pepper and reserved beef; cook, stirring
frequently, 3 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat. Add cooked
macaroni to beef mixture; stir to combine. Transfer mixture to 1-quart baking
dish; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, until bubbling
and slightly browned on top.

SERVING  SIZE:  1 1/4 cups

POINTS:  5.5

SELECTIONS: 1 1/2 Vegetables, 2 Proteins, 1 Bread

PER SERVING: 238 Calories, 8 g Total Fat, 3 g Saturated Fat,
41 mg Cholesterol, 106 mg Sodium, 23 g Total Carbohydrate,
2 g Dietary Fiber, 18 g Protein, 87 mg Calcium
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