All American Macaroni Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hr 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (8 oz.) RONZONI Elbows, uncooked
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup diced green pepper
- 2 cups (two 8-oz. cans) tomato sauce
- 2/3 cup (6-oz. can) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups (16 oz.) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions:
In large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook meat, onion and green pepper until vegetables are tender; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, hot pepper sauce and salt; cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Heat oven to 375F.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions for 8 minutes, drain.
In 2-1/2 qt. casserole, layer one-half pasta, then one-half meat sauce. Spoon cottage cheese on top and sprinkle with 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.
Repeat layers of pasta, meat sauce and Cheddar cheese; bake 15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 more minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Makes 6 servings.