Layered Pasta Bake

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

From Southern Living Cooking School.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 8 ounces penne
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1 (15 ounce) jar pasta sauce with mushrooms (aka spaghetti sauce with mushrooms)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions; drain.
2. Toss pasta with oil; spoon into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish; set aside.
3. In a skillet over med-high heat, cook the beef, onion, and garlic for 5-6 minutes or until beef is browned, stirring to crumble beef; drain and return to skillet.
4. Add wine, spaghetti sauce, and next 3 ingredients to skillet; bring to a boil.
5. Decrease heat and simmer 10 minutes; stir in ¼ teaspoon pepper.
6. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, and eggs; spoon mixture over the pasta.
7. Spread beef mixture over the top.
8. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup parmesan and ½ cup mozzarella; top with bread crumbs.
9. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Reviews

[gwynn]

This was an excellent pasta dish. We really did like the sauce. Thanks for posting this recipe.

[conniecooks]

I made this last night. I used Ricotta cheese, & a wee bit of sour cream to use it up. I added 1 10oz can of mushrooms as my sauce did not contain any. I only used 1 egg. It was excellent. we really enjoyed it, I think it was the best pasta bake I have ever made. I loved the crumby topping!

[Heather'sKitchen]

This is a delicious pasta dish! I altered the meat sauce a little bit and added a bit more cheese but the outcome was fantastic! Another keeper recipe! Thanks!