Beef Cheddar Noodle Bake

(cookinglight.com)
serves 4

1 8 oz. package small whole wheat noodles
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded carrot
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 lb. lean ground sirloin or turkey
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
1 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 ½ cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.Cook pasta according to the package directions. Lightly coat pasta with cooking spray.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot, and sauté 4 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add ground beef; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Season with oregano. Add tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates.

Add pasta to beef mixture in pan, stirring to combine. Spoon pasta mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place milk, flour, nutmeg, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan; stir with a whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat 2 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add 1 cup cheese, stirring until smooth. Pour cheese mixture over pasta mixture; stir. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.


(283 calories per serving)