Baked Penne With Tomatoes & Mozzarella

A classic Italian-inspired pasta bake featuring penne tossed in a robust tomato and meat sauce with oregano, layered with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella, then baked until bubbling and golden.

Recipe Information

Total Time:

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

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 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1½ teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces dried penne or mostaccioli

8 ounces 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.