ZUCCHINI AND GROUND BEEF ORZO CASSEROLE

Zucchini and Ground Beef Orzo Casserole image

Ground beef and zucchini make a great pairing is this surprisingly light casserole. There's enough creamy cheese and orzo pasta to make this taste indulgent, but the zucchini plays a role too, as it has a naturally buttery taste and silky texture, both of which are enhanced by baking. And if the pound of zucchini wasn't enough to meet your veggie quota, there's also a can of tomatoes and an onion, so this dinner is a guaranteed way to get your family to eat some nutritious ingredients! The combination of kitchen staples and easy prep make this a perfect weeknight meal, which can be served up in just over an hour!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta (3 oz)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 lb zucchini squash, cut in half lengthwise, cut in 1/8-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lb ground beef (at least 90% lean)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Cook squash, Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in oil 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash has started to soften but is still crisp-tender. Transfer to large bowl; stir together with orzo.
In same skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef, onion, garlic and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in oil 7 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain, and add to bowl with squash. Add crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme and pepper flakes; stir to combine. Spoon mixture into baking dish.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbling on edges and completely heated through. Top with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese; let stand 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize About 1 Cup, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g