Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked mafalda (mini lasagna noodles)
- 16 oz. jar pasta sauce (2 cups)
- 12 oz. jar salsa (1-1/2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1-2 avocados, sliced
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped
Preparation:
In heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain well. Stir in uncooked noodles, pasta sauce, salsa, water, chili powder, and drained beans. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover skillet, and cook for 15-17 minutes until noodles are al dente, stirring frequently.Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, cilantro, and cumin in small bowl until blended.
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over cooked mixture in skillet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese. Cover and cook 5 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is hot. Remove from heat and uncover. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced avocados and chopped tomatoes. 6 servings


