ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA BAKE

Italian Sausage Pasta Bake image

Provided by Cassie *

Categories Pasta

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 - 12 oz pasta, linguine or your favorite
1/2 lb fresh italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
1 green pepper chopped
1 medium sweet onion, chopped fine
2 clove garlic, chopped
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained ( opt)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
red pepper flakes to taste ( optional )
salt and pepper to taste
28 - 32 oz prepared spaghetti sauce
12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
grated parmesan cheese to garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a heavy skillet over medium heat, brown sausage, ground beef, green pepper, onions, and garlic until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are softened, approximately 15 minutes. Drain off excess grease. Add the drained canned mushrooms, seasonings and heat thoroughly. Pour spaghetti sauce over meat and vegetable mixture in skillet and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Spray 3 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. While sauce simmers, prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and pour into baking dish. Top with meat sauce and combine lightly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top and bake 30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and light golden in color. Serve hot. Garnish with parmesan cheese, if desired.