SPINACH BEEF MACARONI BAKE

Spinach Beef Macaroni Bake image

This hearty casserole is great for a family reunion or church supper. I've also made half the recipe for family gatherings. It's become a special favorite of my grandson-in-law and great-grandson, who often ask me to serve it when they're visiting. -Lois Lauppe, Lahoma, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 casseroles (12 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

5-1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
3 large carrots, shredded
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 cans (28 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions, carrots and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, salt, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. , Drain macaroni; add macaroni and spinach to beef mixture. Pour into two greased 3-qt. baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 632mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.