#36: Sloppy Joe Casserole

(This is without the cheese on top)

This is another recipe from 30 Day Gourmet.  Seriously, if you have not gotten one of their books yet and you like to pre-make and freeze meals, YOU NEED TO GET ONE.  This recipe book has saved so much time in my life, and we have really enjoyed almost all of the recipes we've tried.

This one was so simple, and we all enjoyed it (Brian and Allison both had seconds...and although you can see the cottage cheese, they thought it was ricotta and ate it!)  I will definitely make this one again!!

8 oz Small Shell Macaroni
1 sloppy joe mix envelope
1 1/2 c cooked ground beef or turkey
8 oz tomato sauce
6 oz tomato paste
1 c water
16 oz small curd cottage cheese
1 c shredded cheese (I used mozzarella)

Cook macaroni half the recommended time. Drain. Combine seasoning mix with the ground beef or turkey, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 1 cup water. In sprayed 2-1/2 quart casserole dish or 8x8” baking dish, layer half the macaroni, half the cottage cheese and half the meat sauce; repeat. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Freezing Directions:
Wrap dish in foil or place in 2-gallon freezer bag. If using freezer bags, freeze the combined pasta and meat sauce and keep the cottage cheese and cheddar cheese on hand to layer the casserole just before baking. Seal, label and freeze.

Serving Directions:
Thaw (layer in casserole if necessary) and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until bubbling or place frozen casserole in oven and bake 1 hour 20 minutes.