Recipe: Baked Pasta (Card 128 - Pasta, Rice and Potatoes) My Great Recipes

BAKED PASTA

"For informal dining, this enjoyable layered mostaccioli with meat sauce will meet everyone's approval. Simple, inexpensive ingredients combine to make an appetizing main dish. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad."

For 4 servings you will need:

1 cup (about 3 oz.) uncooked mostaccioli pasta
1/2 lb. ground beef
2 Italian sausages, removed from casings
2 Tablespoons each chopped onion and green pepper
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
1 cup canned tomatoes, cut up
3 ounces tomato paste (1/2 of 6-oz. can)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1/2 tsp. each salt and dried oregano
Dash sugar and black pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
8 oz. Ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Prep: Cook mostaccioli until al dente in boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.

In skillet, combine meat, sausages, onion, green pepper and garlic. Cook, breaking up meat, until meat is browned. Drain off fat.

To the meat, add all remaining ingredients, except egg and cheeses.

Bring meat sauce to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, combine egg and cheeses.

To assemble, stir cooked pasta into meat sauce. Place half in 1-quart buttered baking dish.

Spread cheese mixture evenly over the top. Cover with remaining pasta.

Bake, covered at 350 Degrees F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until cooked through.

For 8 servings:
Double the ingredients. Use a 2-quart baking dish.

Source: My Great Recipes - Card #128 - Category 18