Recipe: Cheesy Italian Beef Bake (using biscuit mix)

CHEESY ITALIAN BEEF BAKE

1 1/2 pounds ground beef*
1 26 ounce jar chunky garden-style tomato pasta sauce
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups original Bisquick mix
1 1/2 cups milk

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray rectangular baking dish (13x9x2 inches) with cooking spray.

Cook beef in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Stir in pasta sauce; set aside.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning in small bowl until smooth and creamy. Spoon half of the beef mixture (about 2 cups) into baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture evenly onto beef mixture. Spoon remaining beef mixture over cream cheese mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the Bisquick mix and milk in medium bowl until blended. Pour over beef mixture.

Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Bake 5 minutes. Let stand at least 10 minutes before cutting.

*Ground turkey also works well in this hot and hearty casserole.

Servings: 8-10
Source: Betty Crocker Bisquick Weeknight Meals; April, 2003