Ingredients
-
8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli pasta or 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
-
1/2 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, chopped
-
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
-
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
-
3 ounces tomato paste
-
1/2 cup water
-
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
-
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 pinch sugar
-
1 dash black pepper
-
15 ounces ricotta cheese
-
1/3-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
1 egg, slightly beaten
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
-
1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage
Instructions
- Cook mostaccioli until al dente in boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.
- In skillet, combine meat with onion, green pepper and garlic. Cook until meat is browned breaking up meat chunks as you go. Drain fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients to pan, except egg and cheeses.
- Bring meat sauce to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, combine egg and ricotta cheese until smooth.
- To assemble, stir cooked pasta into meat sauce.
- Place half of pasta mixture in a large casserole dish.
- Spread cheese mixture evenly over the top, then cover with remaining pasta.
- Bake, covered, at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until cooked through.