Greek Orzo and Ground Beef Casserole - 7 p+

QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
I couldn't find reduced fat feta, but I did use ground turkey instead of lean ground beef, so I kept the points value at 7 per serving.

Usually, when I make moussaka and pastitio, I omit the cinnamon, but I did put a pinch of it in this time. Shouldn't have!

Next time, I will omit the cinnamon and substitute cubed eggplant for the celery (didn't care for the celery either).

Served with a big Greek salad.

Lee

Greek Orzo and Ground Beef Casserole - 7 Weight Watchers points plus

1 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 1/4 cups whole wheat orzo (got mine at Whole Foods)
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped (I will use cubed eggplant instead)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried mint (I didn't have any - not sure I'd use it anyway)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomato in puree
2 T. tomato paste
Splash of dry red wine (my addition
1/2 teas. ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 crumbled reduced fat feta cheese
sprinkle Romano cheese


Preheat oven to 350. Spray 8 inch pan with Pam.

Brown ground meat in Pam'd non-stick skillet. Transfer to bowl.

Cook orzo, drain, run under cold water. Add to browned meat.

Spray skillet with Pam again. Add vegetables and herbs, cook 5 minutes or until soft. Add tomato puree, tomato paste, a little wine, and cinnamon, if using. Reduce heat and simmer 8 minutes.

Add feta and stir veg-tomato mixture into orzo and meat mixture. Transfer to baking pan, top with Romano cheese. Bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.
 

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