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!