Easy Penne Bake

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

22 Jun 2006 10:11 AM

Need to get dinner on the table but don't want to spend two hours in the kitchen? I don't blame you! Life is hectic enough these days. Here's a simple penne bake that'll feed your entire family. Best of all, it's fast, it's delicious, and it's healthy.

For this recipe you'll need:

1-pound penne pasta

1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes

1 package spaghetti seasoning (optional)

1 tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 TB Worcestershire

1-pound ground beef

1 small red onion, chopped

8 ounces mozzarella cheese

Pinch of dried oregano (optional)

To Make This Meal:

In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions.

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onions. Drain any oil that may accumulate in the pan.

In a soup pot, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, spaghetti seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire. Stir. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for at least 15 minutes.

In a 13x9 dish, layer the sauce with the pasta, starting and ending with the sauce. Add ¼ of the cheese after you've completed the first layer. Save the rest for the top, spreading it evenly over the casserole. Top the cheese with dried oregano if desired and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

This dish is great with or without meat. Adjust the seasonings and flavors to suit your own taste.

You can substitute your favorite Italian cheese for the mozzarella. Provolone works great, as does the bagged Italian Cheese Blends.

This meal is great the next day, too.

Serve this pasta as is or with garlic bread and a simple side salad.

This is a great pot luck dish as well.

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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