This recipe is based on a Rachel Ray recipe. I love her recipes – they are easy to make, but also very easy to modify to be healthier!
I also simplified the recipe a lot. Rachel’s version calls for lots of different spices and ingredients; I just used what I always have on hand. Both versions are delicious replications of lasagna, without all the effort
Eat Clean Not-Lasagna Pasta Toss
by EatCleanLiveGreen.com adapted from Rachel Ray
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole grain short cut pasta (I used brown rice macaroni)
- 1 pound ground sirloin (grass-fed preferred)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade, or 1 large can)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 1/2 cup low-fat cottage (or ricotta, if you can find it) cheese
Directions
- Heat a large pot of water to boil for pasta. Salt water and cook pasta to al dente. Note: you will need a ladle of the starchy cooking water to help form sauce before draining.
- Heat a deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and break it up into small bits as it caramelizes. Add Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the tomato sauce. Add red pepper flakes and oregano. Bring to a boil, and let simmer 5 minutes.
- Place cottage cheese in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Add a ladleful of boiling, starchy pasta water to the cheese and stir to combine.
- Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with cheese sauce. Divide into bowls, and top with meat sauce. Optional: Top bowls with grated Parmesan cheese.
Who is your favourite Food Network personality? Any favourite recipes of theirs?
Don’t forget to enter the Xagave Agave Nectar giveaway!




{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
My fave is Giada! Love her!
[Reply]
I like Rachael but sometimes she’s annoying!
I love love love to watch Food Network but hardly ever use their recipes – I guess just inspiration!
[Reply]
Looks delicious!
I have a lot of favorites on the Food Network, I like Ina, Giada and Alton the best, I think. I also think Paula is funny.
[Reply]
I totally agree with Jessica! I love Giada! I also love Paula and her butter! If I had to pick one though it would be Nigella Lawson. She is absolutely beautiful, and all of her food is freaking amazing! I do have to make it a little healthier most of the time. Her Guinness chocolate cake is freaking amazing!
[Reply]
I’m not a Rachael Ray fan . . . but that looks delish
[Reply]
Great idea this. It is always difficult to thin of varied things to cook especially for a hungry family and some of the ideas here and elsewhere on your site have given me some great ideas so thak you!
[Reply]