Rigatoni Casserole

esm4877's Note:

This was my favourite meal growing up as a kid. My Mom always let us pick the family's meal on our birthdays, and I always picked this, even though my Mom didn't like using the oven in the heat of August. I still love it today! It is my "comfort food" and I make it often. It is great for dinner parties, too. Add some garlic bread and a salad and you have a great meal!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 (900 g) bag rigatoni pasta
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (700 ml) jar pasta sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese (small size)
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare rigatoni noodles according to package directions. When pasta is done, drain water and put pasta into a large casserole dish.
3. While pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in a frying pan. Add seasonings. When it is about halfway done, add mushrooms, peppers, and onion. Drain when meat is brown.
4. Add pasta sauce to the meat and vegetables and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. While the sauce is simmering, grate the cheese.
6. Put sauce mixture, parmesean cheese, and grated cheese into the casserole dish. Mix well. Cover.
7. Cook in oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
8. I always add a bit more parmesean cheese onto my serving before eating.
9. Enjoy!