4th of July Triple-Layered Savory Casserole | Love2Feed

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium leek, trimmed, rinsed, and cut in 1/4-inch slices (white and some green part)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen leaf spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper