Cheesy Baked Pasta

Cheesy Baked Pasta

1 12 oz pkg. uncooked pasta (ziti or penne)
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon dried basil
2-10 oz jars of Prego pasta sauce
1-15 oz container ricotta cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta noodles according to package instructions. Drain and place into a large mixing bowl with the 2 jars pasta sauce. Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet and sauté bell pepper and onion until softened then pour into mixing bowl with pasta. Using the last 1 Tablespoon of olive oil brown ground beef, when done drain off excess fat and add to pasta and stir together.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a separate small mixing bowl place the ricotta, parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, salt pepper, basil, and stir until combined.

Place ½ of pasta mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over pasta, pour remaining pasta mixture over cheese and then sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese and cover with tin foil.

Bake for 25 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Edit: You can try substituting Italian sausage in place of the lean ground beef. Using a spicy Italian sausage will give it a little kick.