Kid-Friendly Fare: sloppy joe pasta

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 envelope sloppy joe mix
• 1 c. water
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 package (7 ounces) small shell pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 c. (8 ounces) cottage cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.  Stir in the sloppy joe mix, water, tomato sauce and paste.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.  Remove from the heat; stir in pasta.

Spoon half into a greased 2.5 quart baking dish.  Top with cottage cheese and remaining pasta mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Let me preface my review by saying that Brooke Lynne at 3 servings of this stuff - that's right, THREE! I was absolutely dumbfounded since she's never been all that keen on sloppy joes.   It was a good recipe, but nothing special.  This about sums it up:
Nick-Nick: I don't want to insult you, but this kinda tastes like....
me: Hamburger Helper
Nick-Nick: yes, but healthier since you made it yourself (nice save buddy)

ww pts: 7 (but I divided the casserole into 8 servings, as opposed to 4-6.  With some fresh steamed broccoli, it was more than filling)

*taste of home's good food for kids!/kids' party food

Browning the meat - this turns out to be problematic for me since I get distracted easily

Making the "sloppy joe" part of sloppy joe pasta

I used whole grain pasta - we no longer purchase "regular" pasta over here and haven't for quite some time

layered, but not fancy!

Isn't everything better with cheese?

 

"dinner"