Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes; add oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer meat sauce for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked penne with the meat sauce; mix well.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture; top with pepperoni and the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.