Pasta, Meat and Cheese Casserole (mostaccioli)

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked mostaccioli pasta
• ½ pound ground beef
• 2 italian sausages, removed from casings
• 2 tablespoons onion
• 2 tablespoons green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 cup canned tomatoes
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon basil leaves
• ½ tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 dash sugar
• 1 dash black pepper
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Steps

1. Cook mostaccioli until al dente in boiling salted water.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, combine the meat, sausages, onion, green pepper, and garlic.
4. Cook while breaking up the meat, until browned.
5. Drain off the fat.
6. Add all the remaining ingredients to the meat, except the egg and cheeses.
7. Bring the meat sauce to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat.
9. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Combine the egg and cheeses.
11. To assemble, stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce.
12. Place half in a buttered 1-quart baking dish.
13. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
14. Cover with the remaining pasta.
15. Bake, covered, at 350°F for 30–35 minutes or until cooked through.