BAKED PENNE WITH GROUND BEEF AND TOMATO SAUCE

Baked Penne With Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce image

Of course you can use your favorite bottled pasta sauce of your choice to make this recipe, but it is really the sauce that makes this (do not omit the green bell pepper, I also add in a jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped but that is optional) To save some time and to allow the flavors to blend I strongly suggest to prepare the sauce 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate, this sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Do not over cook the pasta as it will cook even more in the oven...you will LOVE this!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Penne

Time 2h25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 cups cooked penne (about 3 cups uncooked)
2 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or to taste)
3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
1 small green bell pepper
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 -4 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 (28 ounce) cans plum tomatoes (undrained and chopped)
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 large bay leaf
salt and black pepper

Steps:

For the sauce; heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat; add in onion, bell pepper, oregano, basil and chili flakes (if using) sauté for about 5 minutes (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking).
Add in the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.
Add in all remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer (UNCOVERED) on low heat for about 1-1/2 hours.
Season with salt and pepper then remove the bay leaf.
At this point you can cool then refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Set oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a medium casserole dish (or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish).
In a large skillet cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking up with a spoon until crumbled; drain fat.
To the skillet add in about 5 cups prepared tomato sauce (more is okay, or just go ahead and use the whole amount of sauce if desired more sauce will never hurt lol!) cook for about 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat.
Remove from heat and add in 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese; stir with wooden spoon to combine.
Add in the cooked penne pasta; toss to combine with sauce and cheese.
Transfer to baking dish.
Bake for about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese then about 1/2 cup (or more) mozzarella cheese, return to oven and cook 5-8 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.
Delicious!

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