TASTY PASTA BAKE

Tasty Pasta Bake image

Provided by Cassie *

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 14

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8 oz macaroni, cooked - al dente
1 lb ground beef
3 clove garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 green pepper, chopped - reserve about 1/2 cup for topping
oil for browning meat & veggies
1 tsp garlic powder or to taste
salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp italian seasoning or to taste
1 - 15 oz can, italian spiced - diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp red pepper flakes ~ optional
1 - 24 oz spaghetti sauce ( for this recipe, i use del grosso pepperoni flavored sauce - love it )
1/4 - 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
6 slice provolone cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook pasta, al dente, drain and place in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, add about 3 tablespoons oil, over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions, peppers and garlic. Breaking up beef as it cooks. Add seasonings and stir. Once meat is no longer pink and veggies are tender. Drain.
3. Return meat and veggies back to pan, add tomatoes and sauce, simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add cheddar cheese to macaroni, stir and add the sauce and blend all well.
5. Pour mixture evenly into prepared dish.
6. Place the six slices of provolone evenly over pasta. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove cover. Bake for an additional 10 - 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and turning golden.
8. Let set for a few minutes then serve with salad and crusty bread if you prefer.