1. For the sauce; heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat; add in onion, bell pepper, oregano, basil and chili flakes (if using) sauté for about 5 minutes (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking). 2. Add in the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute. 3. Add in all remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer (UNCOVERED) on low heat for about 1-1/2 hours. 4. Season with salt and pepper then remove the bay leaf. 5. At this point you can cool then refrigerate for up to 2 days. 6. Set oven to 350 degrees. 7. Grease a medium casserole dish (or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish). 8. In a large skillet cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking up with a spoon until crumbled; drain fat. 9. To the skillet add in about 5 cups prepared tomato sauce (more is okay, or just go ahead and use the whole amount of sauce if desired more sauce will never hurt lol!) cook for about 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat. 10. Remove from heat and add in 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese; stir with wooden spoon to combine. 11. Add in the cooked penne pasta; toss to combine with sauce and cheese. 12. Transfer to baking dish. 13. Bake for about 20 minutes. 14. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese then about 1/2 cup (or more) mozzarella cheese, return to oven and cook 5-8 minutes more or until the cheese is melted. 15. Delicious! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nutrition
Ingredients
