Recipe: Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

CHEESEBURGER MACARONI CASSEROLE

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni (or whole wheat penne or rotini pasta)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, optional
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft; drain.

Cook macaroni according to package directions, omitting salt; drain. Spoon the macaroni into the prepared pan. Spread the beef mixture and chopped tomato over macaroni. Pour tomato sauce over beef and sprinkle with seasoned salt, if desired, and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and cover loosely with foil.

Bake 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges of casserole are bubbling.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Chef Ina Pinkney, chef/owner of Ina's, Chicago, on behalf of 3-A-Day of Dairy