Recipe: Easy Pasta Bake (using ground beef and ravioli or tortellini)

EASY PASTA BAKE



1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
3 1/2 cups prepared pasta sauce, any flavor
1/2 cup water
1 (9 ounce) package cheese or vegetable-filled tortellini or ravioli
1/2 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish (or 4 individual baking dishes) with nonstick cooking spray.

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground geef, onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings; season with salt and pepper, as desired. Stir in pasta sauce and the 1/2 cup water.

Arrange refrigerated pasta evenly on bottom the prepared baking dish(es). Spoon beef mixture evenly over pasta; sprinkle cheese evenly over beef mixture.

Cover baking dish(es) with aluminum foil. Bake in 350 degree F oven 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, as desired.

Makes 4 servings
Source: The Beef Checkoff, National Cattlemen's Beef Association