Meatball and Penne Casserole
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb penne noodles
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp tsp dried thyme or 2chopped fresh
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 sweet green or red pepper coarsely chopped
- 1/2 lb mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups sliced celery
- 1 tsp each dried oregano and basil
- 2 oz cans 14each tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In large pot of boiling water, cook noodles according to package directions or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water; drain and set aside.
- In bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg and thyme. Mix well and shape into 1” balls.
- In heavy Dutch oven or flameproof casserole, heat oil over medium heat; cook meatballs, in single layer and in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in onions, cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, pepper, mushrooms, celery, oregano and basil; cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, parsley, noodles and half of the mozzarella cheese; stir gently to mix. Sprinkle with parmesan and remaining mozzarella. (Casserole can be prepared to this point, cooled, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months).
- Bake, covered in 350ºF oven for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes longer or until heated through and bubbly.