Taco Casserole

Another recipe posted for future use. It is from Joanna Lund. I can't wait to try this. Typical "Mexican" food won't fit into my diet plan, but this one will fit nicely. Prep times are estimates. The recipe says it can be frozen successfully. Only 295 colories per serving. The Diabetic Exchanges per serving are: 2 Protein, 2 Vegetable and 1 starch.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  ounces lean ground turkey or 8  ounces beef
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 3⁄4 cups tomato sauce (one 15 ounce can)
• 1  tablespoon  taco seasoning mix
• 2  cups  cooked noodles, rinsed and drained
• 3⁄4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (3 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray, brown meat, onion and green pepper.
3. Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning.
4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked noodles.
6. Pour into a 8-by-8-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
7. Bake 15-20 minutes.
8. Top with Cheddar cheese and bake another 10 minutes or until cheesemelts.
9. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
10. HINT: A full 1 3/4 cups uncooked noodles usually make about 2 cups cooked.
11. To freeze: Assemble as directed. Cover well with foil and freeze.
12. To serve: Thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.