Florentine Beef Noodle Bake

This recipe is a variation on lasagna. Mom made her famous lasagna often, but variations less so. If you like lasagna-type dishes, this recipe is worth a try. I particularly like the use of nutmeg to flavor the beef; the nutmeg gave the dish unique taste. The Florentine in the recipe is a reference to the spinach included. 

Like lasagna, making this recipe requires a bit more time than many recipes, so it is not really good for a weeknight. But the leftovers are great for a weekday. When I made this recipe, I forgot to put the parmesan cheese on top. I know that the dish would be even better with parmesan, so I will remember for next time. Also, the recipe calls for baking for five minutes after topping with cheese, but I recommend ten minutes or using the broiler function of the oven.

Florentine Beef Noodle Bake 

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
• 2 packages (10 oz. each) spinach, thawed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tsp. salt.
• 3 cups milk
• 1 package (8 oz.) wide noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp. parmesan cheese

In a skillet, lightly brown the beef with the onions. Pour off drippings. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tsp. salt, nutmeg, pepper over the meat.Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for ten minutes. Pat dry the thawed spinach to remove excess water. Cook the noodles follow package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter; blend in flour and 2 tsp. salt. Gradually add milk and cook, stirring constantly until thick. Fold the noodles into the white sauce. Spread half the noodles in the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Spread 2/3 of the meat over the noodles. Reserve two tablespoons of the cheddar cheese and pour the remaining cheese over the meat. Spoon spinach in a layer over the cheese. Top with remaining noodles, distributing evenly. Spoon remaining meat mix. Cover tight and bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Remove cover; sprinkle with cheddar and parmesan. Bake for five minutes, or as needed to melt the cheese. Let stand for ten minutes. Enjoy!

Baked Beef Square

This recipe is a variation on meat loaf. I am sure Mom tried it, but mostly she stuck with the classic family meat loaf. But this is a delicious variation on a hearty meal. Plus, it is easy to make because the ingredients are all mixed together and put into a pan for baking.

This recipe has a number of ingredients that create a good flavor blend. It uses crushed corn chips instead of bread crumbs. There is both ketchup and mustard mixed in. But I think the use of thyme makes it very unique. I recommend giving this recipe a try. Mom's recipe calls for using an 8-inch square pan, but I used a 9x5 loaf pan, so I needed to bake it for slightly longer than the recipe requires.

Baked Beef Squares 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 cup crushed corn chips
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. thyme
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients except grated cheese. Press into a greased 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Top with cheese for last 10 minutes of baking time. Cool. Enjoy!

Tuna Broccoli Casserole

Mom made many casseroles when I was a kid, especially casseroles that simply mixed everything together in a pan and baked in the oven. And a casserole using tuna like this one was a common recipe for meatless Fridays of Lent. Unlike many casseroles, this casserole does not use noodles and its use of eggs makes it almost quiche-like.

This recipe uses many ingredients that you might regularly have in your kitchen. The recipe also offers a few options for the vegetable to use, including broccoli, peas, or green beans. I used frozen broccoli but I am sure the other vegetable options would be good. Instead of shredded mozzarella cheese, I used grated parmesan cheese just because it was what I had. This casserole is easy to put together and quite tasty.

Tuna Broccoli Casserole 

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
• 1 package (10 oz.) frozen broccoli
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Combine the eggs and milk. Add flaked tuna, cottage cheese, broccoli, onion, and salt. Turn into a greased pie pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake 10 more minutes. Allow to cool. Enjoy!