Ziti-Meatball Bake

Makes 4 servings

6 ounces ziti
10 ounces lean ground beef (10%
or less fat)
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian
seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (no salt
added)
One 10-ounce package thawed
frozen chopped spinach,
thoroughly drained and squeezed
dry
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
3 ounces part-skim mozzarella
cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350o F.
In large pot of boiling water,
cook ziti 10-12 minutes, until
tender. Drain, discarding liquid;
set ziti aside.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl,
combine beef, onions, Italian
seasoning, garlic, salt and
pepper; form into 16 equal
meatballs.
In large nonstick skillet, heat
oil; add meatballs. Cook over
medium heat, turning as
needed, 8-10 minutes, until
browned on all sides and
cooked through. Remove from
heat.
Add tomato sauce, spinach,
basil, half of the cheese and
the ziti to meatballs; stir to
combine. Transfer meatball
mixture to 9" square baking
pan; sprinkle with remaining
cheese. Bake, covered, 20
minutes, until mixture is heated
through and cheese is melted;
bake uncovered, 10 minutes,
until cheese is lightly browned.
Divide evenly among 4 plates
and serve.

SERVING (1 1/2 CUPS)
PROVIDES: 1/2 Fat, 3 Vegetables,
3 Proteins, 2 Breads.

PER SERVING: 422 Calories, 14 g
Total Fat, 5 g Saturated Fat, 56 mg
Cholesterol, 503 mg Sodium, 47 g
Total Carbohydrate, 5 g Dietary
Fiber, 29 g Protein, 260 mg Calcium


BTW-these meatballs also make great meatball sandwiches...

Originally posted by chocoqueen at 01-07-2000 at 1044 on BCB recipes page 2 thread.