Kids Love It Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 14, 2022
I haven't found any child yet who doesn't gobble up this dish. It combines spaghetti-like ingredients plus nutritious spinach—which they never detect!—Lou Monger, Richmond, Virginia

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Dash pepper
  • 1 package (7 ounces) small pasta shells, cooked and drained
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook beef, onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the next seven ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in macaroni, spinach, eggs, cheese and bread crumbs.
  2. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 275 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.