Broccoli and Beef Pasta

Today I have a wonderful recipe for you from Jackie. She strives to keep healthy meals on the table for her and her family at all times, but especially during the holiday season. Jackie is gracious enough to share one of those crock pot meals with us today. Thanks for sharing Jackie!

Have Yourself a Healthy Little Holiday!By: Jackie Clark
Healthy eating can often prevent certain kinds of cancers such as mesothelioma, but with the holidays approaching rapidly it is easy to put off our dieting until after all the holiday feasts have been devoured, but that no longer needs to be the case! People often forget how simple and convenient crock-pot meals can be, and after the deliciousness of the meal is tasted, the realization of how healthy what you just ate is gone too! There are many healthy recipes and meals to be used in your crock-pot, which will leave you extra, time to get that last minute shopping done and avoid those greasy drive-thru burgers! This Broccoli and Beef Pasta meal is sure to satisfy, and be a healthy alternative whether it is made on a day where you are out shopping, or for when you are having company over for a holiday dinner!
– 2 cups broccoli florets or 1 package (10 ounces) of frozen broccoli, thawed

– 1 onion, thinly sliced

– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

– 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

– 3/4 cup beef broth

– 1 pound lean ground beef

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 2 cups cooked rotini pasta

– 3 ounces low-fat shredded cheese or parmesan cheese
Crock Pot Directions for Cooking:

Layer the broccoli, basil, onion, thyme, and tomatoes with juice and beef broth in the crock pot. Cover and heat on LOW for 2.5 hours. Combine beef and garlic in nonstick skillet and cook over high heat for about 7 minutes. Break meat apart, pour off drippings, and add the beef to the crock-pot. Cover and cook for 2 hours. After 2 hours stir in tomato paste. Add cooked pasta and cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted throughout the dish.
Share the holiday spirit with friends and family over this deliciously warm and delightfully healthy alternative that was cooked in your very own crock-pot!