Here is a great dish that is easy to make. It was served as dinner to out-of-town guests who attended a birthday party that we went to last weekend. (Wasn't that a thoughtful thing to do so we didn't have to go scrounging for a restaurant?) I could not believe how delicious it was! This can be made up ahead of time and then baked when you are ready. I made it this week and I will make it again soon and put it in my freezer, ready to bake. This recipe fills a 9 x 13 pan.
Baked Penne
1# lean hamburger
1/2# ground Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves chopped garlic
2-3 cups shredded mozzerella cheese
1 jar Ragu or other spaghetti sauce, approx. 22 oz.
1 can seasoned, diced tomatoes, approx. 14 oz.
1 box Barilla whole grain penne pasta, 13.25 oz.
Brown the meat, onion, and garlic together in large skillet. Drain excess grease if necessary. While meat mixture is cooking, boil pan of water and cook pasta according to directions on box. Drain pasta. Add spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes to meat mixture and continue cooking about 8-10 minutes. Now you are ready to layer much like you would a lasagna. Start with sauce in the bottom of 9 x 13 pan and make layers of meat sauce, pasta, cheese, ending with cheese on top. Bake covered for about 30-40 minutes, until thoroughly hot and cheese is melted.
*Note: This would be a great dish to take to a family in need, either hot, or ready-to-bake. Add a tossed salad and some dinner rolls, and maybe some simple brownies or ice cream, and you have a very simple but lovely dinner to deliver.
