Bison Penne Bake with Spinach, Onions, Mushrooms, and Garlic

Prep: 10 -15 min

Cook: 30 min

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Bison
• 1/2 lb of whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 C Ricotta
• 1 C mozzarella
• 2 C Tomato puree
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp herbs de provence
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 pinch of red pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook penne until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, brown bison, onions, mushrooms, and garlic in pan at spinach at last 3 min.  Drain liquid, if any.
3. Transfer back to large skillet and add 2 cups of tomato puree and 2 cups of spinach and simmer on low for 5 min.  Turn off heat and add one cup of ricotta, stir well until completely mixed.
4. Transfer to large casserole : penne and meat sauce mixture, stir well coating all of the penne.
5. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 20 min, then uncovered for last 10 min to make cheese golden and bubbly.

Serve with a spinach salad or bread.  You could also top penne with some parmesan as well.