Italian Pasta Casserole

SERVINGS: 6
CATEGORY: Lower Fat
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/3 cup tomato paste
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, crumble beef and sausage into a large skillet; add onion and garlic. Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
Drain pasta; stir in meat mixture and pepperoni. Transfer half of pasta mixture to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with half of cheese; repeat layers.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 6 servings.