Barf Bake...aka. Turkey and Cabbage Bake

Ok, so I know "Barf Bake" is not the most appetizing name for a recipe, but this is what David   called it the first time I made it and the name stuck.  The reason he named it "Barf Bake" is not because it's gross, but because it is made with cabbage - something he didn't think he liked at the time.  Let's just say, David's palate has matured quite a bit since meeting me.  Anyway, this is a sort of casserole made from ground meat (I use turkey but you could use beef if you'd prefer), pasta, and cabbage.  It is like cabbage rolls, but in casserole form.  We happen to love it, and in fact, it is probably one of David's favorites, despite the fact that he calls it "Barf Bake."  If you are weary about the cabbage, sometimes if I don't have any cabbage I just use spinach instead and that is quite yummy as well.  We have been getting A TON of cabbage from Abbe Hills lately, so this recipe has worked itself into my menu a few times in the last couple of weeks.

Barf Bake

• 1 small head cabbage chopped (I use green cabbage but I am sure any variety would work just fine.
• 1 lb ground turkey (or beef if you would prefer)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup small pasta like orzo, dilatini, or ancini de pepe
• 2 cups tomato pasta sauce (I used Newman's Own last night but if I have my own I use that)
• 1 cup water
• 1 lb baby spinach
• 1 tbsp. italian herbs
• 1 tbsp. granulated garlic (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup good parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a 13X9 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray.  Layer the cabbage and spinach along the bottom of the baking dish.  Set aside.  In a large skillet with deep sides, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.  Add the onions and green pepper and saute until starting to sweat.  Add the turkey, the garlic, and the italian herbs and cook until turkey is browned.  Add the pasta and stir just to combine.  Pour this mixture over the cabbage and spinach.  In a small bowl, mix together pasta sauce and water.  Pour over the meat and move the meat and cabbage around with a spoon just enough to allow the sauce to seep through to the bottom.  Top with the cheese.  Cover and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until the cabbage is cooked and the pasta is tender.  Uncover during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.  Serve. It's yummy, I promise!

Until next time, happy and HEALTHY cooking and EATING!