FREEZE IT
HEARTY PENNE BEEF

Turn to this dish when you are looking for a comforting meal! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and also a great way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition.

—TASTE OF HOME TEST KITCHEN



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 4 SERVINGS


3/4 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) beef broth

1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cups chopped fresh spinach

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomato puree, broth, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add spinach; cook 1-2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted.

3. Drain pasta; stir into beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.

FREEZE OPTION Cool and transfer to freezer containers. Freeze up to 3 months. To use, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Place in a Dutch oven and heat through. Sprinkle with some additional cheese.