Baked Penne with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Name: Baked Penne with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ pound ground beef; ¼ pound Italian sausage; 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 4 tsp chopped fresh oregano or 1½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 12 oz dried penne or mostaccioli; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pools of melted fresh mozzarella mingle throughout meat-sauced noodles in this baked pasta dish.

Pools of melted fresh mozzarella mingle throughout meat-sauced noodles in this baked pasta dish. It may be prepared the day before and is sure to become a favorite of busy cooks as well as those they serve.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ pound ground beef
¼ pound Italian sausage
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 tsp chopped fresh oregano or 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
12 oz dried penne or mostaccioli
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

In a large skillet heat oil. Add onion and garlic and cook over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add ground beef and sausage; cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is brown. In a food processor or blender, puree whole peeled tomatoes; add to meat in skillet. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large saucepan or Dutch oven according to package directions until tender but firm to the bite; drain. Return pasta to saucepan. Add meat sauce, mozzarella chunks and Parmesan cheese. Transfer pasta mixture to 6 greased 16-ounce individual baking dishes (or one greased 13×9×2-inch baking dish). Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.