Easy Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• (2) 15 ounce tomato sauce
• 12 ounce tomato paste
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 16 ounce corkscrew cavatappi pasta noodles
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, (shredded, divided)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. 2

   Cook noodles according to package directions (al dente).

3. 3

   Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before straining.

4. 4

   In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook sausage, ground beef, and onion until meat is cooked and onions are tender. Sprinkle seasonings and let cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

5. 5

   Drain grease and return to pan.

6. 6

   Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and pasta water to meat mixture. Stir to well combine and turn heat to low. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

7. 7

   Once done, pour meat sauce mixture into noodles and mix well. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and mix until cheese is melted.

8. 8

   Pour noodle mixture into prepared baking dish and top with remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.

9. 9

   Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melty and bubbly.