FOOD FOR THE BODY

EASY CHEESY BAKED ZITI (from www.laaloosh.com)

Serves: 6

Points: 5

1 (12 oz.) pkg. Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta (penne or ziti noodles)

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 c. chopped mushrooms (optional)

1 c. reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tsp. olive oil

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1/4 c. yellow onions, finely chopped

1/2 lb extra lean ground beef

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. fresh basil, finely chopped

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. rosemary

salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add onions and garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 3 to 5 minutes; drain off any fat and set pan back over medium heat. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and mushrooms and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon a small amount of beef-tomato mixture into bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish (just enough to cover surface); top with half of cooked pasta. Next, layer with half of remaining beef-tomato sauce and half of mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining pasta and then top with remaining beef-tomato sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Cut into 6 pieces.