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A hearty and healthy casserole packed with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a trio of colorful vegetables, all baked in a savory tomato sauce with a light cheese topping. A perfect balanced weeknight meal.
Prepare Oven and Cook Pasta
Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Build the Vegetable Sauce
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A hearty and healthy casserole packed with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a trio of colorful vegetables, all baked in a savory tomato sauce with a light cheese topping. A perfect balanced weeknight meal.
This american recipe takes 70 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 466.12 calories per serving with 30.56g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Assemble the Casserole
Bake, Rest, and Serve
Use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions, ensuring it's al dente.
Replace the ground beef with 1.5 cups of cooked brown or green lentils, or use a 16-ounce package of plant-based ground 'meat'.
Omit the pasta and add more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower florets, mushrooms, or green beans to make it a hearty bake.
Use a protein-fortified or chickpea-based pasta and increase the lean ground beef to 1.5 pounds.
Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth, while being lower in saturated fat.
Whole wheat pasta offers complex carbohydrates and fiber, which provide a steady release of energy and promote digestive health.
The variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes delivers a wide range of essential vitamins (like C and A) and minerals.
The crushed tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to improved heart health.
Yes, this casserole is designed to be a balanced and healthy meal. It uses lean protein, whole wheat pasta for complex carbs and fiber, and is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables. Using part-skim mozzarella also helps keep the saturated fat content in check.
A single serving of this casserole contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. The main contributors are the ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven straight from the fridge.
This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or green beans. Just be sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
