The Blue Spotted Owl: Greek Style Skillet Supper

aka: Homemade "Hamburger Helper"

Have I mentioned I like quick and easy. That is not to say I won't make more gourmet time consuming meals for special occasions but I believe every home chef needs a few basic go to recipes in her back pocket for quick week night dinners.

I like the concept of a skillet supper, it is kind of like "hamburger helper" without all the processed crap. You just cook it up in one pan, serve it with a vegetable or salad and you have a quick, nutritious meal for you family! This is a an easy one dish meal that you can whip up in a jiffy after a busy day. It's spicy flavor of cinnamon, blends well with the tomatoes, feta and spinach to make your taste buds explode!

Greek Style Skillet Supper (serves 6)
1 lb. ground beef (could use ground turkey)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp. Oregano leaves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) beef broth (I make my own with a beef base and water)
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta or spiral pasta (whole grain is a good choice)
2 cups (or a few large handfuls) of fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese (divided) (I always use reduced fat feta)

Directions: Cook ground beef and onion in large skillet on med/hi heat until meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain fat from pan. Add oregano, cinnamon and garlic powder and mix well. Stir in broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is almost tender. Stir in spinach and 1/4 cup feta cheese. Cover and cook 5 minutes longer. Sprinkle with other 1/4 cup feta and let stand 5 minutes uncovered before serving. Enjoy!