Quick Lasagna

Quick Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups spaghetti sauce
4 Tablespoons fresh parsley, or 4 teaspoons dried
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 pint (2 cups) low-fat cottage cheese
2⁄3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1⁄3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until it is no longer pink.
  2. Drain fat, add onion, and cook until onion is clear.
  3. Add garlic, 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce, and herbs; spread evenly in skillet.
  4. Reduce heat to low (200 degrees in an electric skillet), spread cottage cheese over mixture, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Top with 4 noodles, breaking remaining 2 to fill in open spaces.
  5. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of noodles; gently press noodles down to moisten.
  6. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until noodles are tender. Top with remaining cheeses, cover, and simmer 2 more minutes or until cheeses are melted.
  7. Let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes before serving.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/quick-lasagna

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Pasta with Greens and Beans.jpg

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (try penne)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
10 ounces frozen spinach
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees in an electric skillet) until soft.
  3. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, drained beans, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
  4. Add drained pasta and parmesan to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute cleaned and chopped fresh spinach (about 6 cups).
  • Try other greens, such as Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach. Be sure to clean greens well and cook them until soft.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/pasta-greens-a...

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 Tablespoons oil
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounce each or 3 1/2 cups) low sodium vegetable or beef broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 cup uncooked macaroni
2 small zucchini, sliced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, celery and carrot in oil, stirring constantly until onion is soft, but not browned.
  2. Add potato, tomatoes, broth, beans and basil.
  3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add macaroni and zucchini. Cook another 15 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
  • Use any vegetables you have on hand.
  • Add cooked meat if desired.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/minestrone-sou...

Italian Veggie Soup

Italian Veggie Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced or diced carrots
1 1⁄2 cups sliced or chopped cabbage
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato pieces with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ouncse) cut green beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole kernel corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
2 cups water
3 teaspoons or 3 cubes low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaf
1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaf
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup small macaroni (optional)

Directions

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add to soup pan.
  2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until limp but not brown. Add to soup pan.
  3. Add all the remaining Ingredients to soup pan.
  4. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/italian-veggie...

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small zucchini, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) tomato based pasta sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces rotini pasta (about 4 cups)
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic and zucchini over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned and broken into pieces. Drain any fat.
  2. Add the pasta sauce, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium low (275 degrees in an electric skillet) for 15 minutes.
  3. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package Directions.
  4. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce in the skillet. Stir in the cheese and cover until the cheese is melted.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Substitute broccoli for zucchini. Cook fresh broccoli with the pasta in step 3 or add frozen broccoli in step 2.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/cheesy-beef-pa...

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound ground beef
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1⁄2 cups spaghetti or pasta sauce (26 to 28 ounce container)
1 cup water
8 ounces wide noodles
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (10 ounce)
1 package lowfat cottage cheese (12 ounces or 2 cups)
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

Directions

  1. Stir ground beef, onion, and garlic together in a large skillet over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned.
  2. Add spaghetti sauce and water to skillet and bring to a boil.
  3. Add uncooked noodles, stir, cover with lid, reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Squeeze the thawed spinach to remove the juice then stir into the noodle mixture. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Spoon cottage cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cover and heat another 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and noodles are tender.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Add fresh or canned (drained) sliced mushrooms.
  • Use whole wheat pasta instead to increase fiber and make this a whole grain meal.
  • Try pasta in a different shape.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/skillet-lasagn...

One Pan Spaghetti

One Pan Spaghetti

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 1⁄2 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon rosemary
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (12 ounces) broken spaghetti
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Brown meat and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
  2. Stir in water, tomato sauce, and spices. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add spaghetti, cover pan, and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  4. When spaghetti is tender, top with grated cheese.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try ground turkey or small cooked shrimp for the meat.
  • Try whole-wheat pasta to increase fiber.
  • Use cheddar cheese in place of parmesan
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/one-pan-spaghe...

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 shells
Serving Size 2 shells

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells (1/2 of 12 ounce package)
1 1⁄4 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
3⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1⁄4 teaspoon ground sage
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup pasta sauce

Directions

  1. Cook pasta shells according to package Directions. Drain, separate onto baking sheet and let cool.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, pumpkin, Parmesan, and spices. Reserve 1 Tablespoon Parmesan for topping.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Choose a baking dish that holds all the shells in a single layer.
  4. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of pumpkin mixture, and place shells close together on sauce in baking dish.
  5. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes more.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Freeze unused pumpkin puree and add to soup, chili or pancake recipes
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/pumpkin-ricott...

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad.jpg

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
1 cup carrot, peeled and coarsely grated (about 2 medium carrots)
2 cups diced cucumber
1 1⁄2 cups peas, canned and drained or thawed from frozen
3⁄4 cup low-fat Italian salad dressing

Directions

  1. Place drained tuna in a medium bowl. Use a fork to break apart chunks of tuna.
  2. Add carrot, cucumber, peas and salad dressing. Mix well.
  3. Serve immediately or make ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Serve on lettuce leaves or make sandwiches with whole wheat or pocket (pita) bread.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/mediterranean-...

Zucchini Zowie

Zucchini Zowie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
2 teaspoons garlic powder or 8 cloves garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Wash and slice the zucchini.
  3. Lay zucchini in a pie pan and pour tomatoes and juice over the top.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and cheese on zucchini.
  5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/zucchini-zowie

Spinach & Chicken Italian

Spinach & Chicken Italian

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup tomato pasta sauce
1 pound chicken breast cut or pounded into 1/2-inch thick slices
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained or 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
3⁄4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Pour ½ cup of pasta sauce in a large baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken and add to the dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of pasta sauce, spinach and mozzarella.
  3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is no longer pink inside and cheese begins to turn brown.
  4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/spinach-chicke...

Tomato Pasta Salad

Tomato Pasta Salad

Tomato Pasta Salad.png

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rotini noodles
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped broccoli
1⁄4 cup sliced black olives
2 teaspoons dry Italian herbs
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces low-fat Italian salad dressing (about 1 cup)

Directions

  1. Combine the cooked noodles, tomatoes, broccoli and black olives together in a bowl.
  2. Add the herbs, cheese and salad dressing. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

 

Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/tomato-pasta-s...

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced or crushed tomatoes
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. (If using garlic powder, omit oil and skip this step).
  2. Add tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, if desired. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. For a thicker sauce, cook an extra 10 to 20 minutes to allow more of the liquid to evaporate.
  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/quick-tomato-p...

Easy Manicotti

Easy Manicotti

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 14 servings
Serving Size 1 filled shell

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 egg
1 carton (15 ounces) low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
6 ounces shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced, or 3 tablespoons dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon italian seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) pasta sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
  3. While pasta is cooking, beat egg in medium bowl. Add ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix well.
  4. Pour a little of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking pan to prevent pasta from sticking.
  5. Stuff shells with filling (about 2-3 rounded teaspoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in pan. Pour remaining sauce evenly over pasta.
  6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
  7. Let rest 10 minutes outside of oven before serving.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Add Parmesan cheese to the filling mixture.
  • Add your favorite spices to sauce for additional flavor.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/easy-manicotti

Bruschetta Salad

Bruschetta Salad

Bruschetta Salad.png

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups chopped roma tomatoes
1⁄2 cup chopped red onion
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped basil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups Croutons

Directions

  1. Combine the tomatoes, onion, basil, salt, black pepper, vinegar and oil in a bowl.
  2. Stir croutons in the salad and serve.
  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Source: http://foodhero.org/recipes/bruschetta-sal...