Beef, Cheese & Spinach Penne - Family Faves Meal Solution #7

This was a great change in pasta.  We usually have a tomato based sauce.  Not this time!  Because of our dietary needs, I made some changes - used ground turkey instead of beef, reduced sodium tomatoes, gluten free pasta, almond milk, and the lower amount of the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.  We also didn't add the extra salt & pepper.  You can also make changes to meet your family needs as well.  Here are the original ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
1-2 Tbsp Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix
2 1/2 cups 2% milk, warmed
1 1/2 cups hot water
10 oz penne pasta
2 Tbsp Spinach & Herb Seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1.  In large skillet with cover over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef and Garlic Garlic Seasoning until no longer pink; salt and pepper as desired.  Drain.

2. Stir in tomatoes and Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.  Stir in milk, water, pasta and Spinach & Herb Seasoning.  Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness of pasta, stirring occasionally.  Salt and pepper as desired.

3.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and smooth.  Serve immediately.  Sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Green Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Combine first 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Combine next 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 1.