Chopped Meat and Spinach Pasta Bake

This delightful Chopped Meat and Spinach Pasta Bake combines traditional flavors with a creative twist. Featuring hearty chopped meat, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach nestled in tender pasta, this dish is baked to perfection with a gooey cheese topping. It's a comforting meal that brings together familiar ingredients in a new way, sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chopped meat (beef or turkey)
• 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add the chopped spinach and diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Mix well to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.