Mom's Italian Casserole

8 ounces mostaccioli (or penne regate)

1.5 lbs. ground beef (or ground turkey)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes

1 8 0z. can tomato sauce

1 4 oz. can tomato paste

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dried basil

1 Bay Leaf

6 oz. mozzarella cheese

Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper in a large pot on the stove until meat is brown. Drain fat. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, salt, sugar, pepper, dried basil, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 30 min.

Cook mostaccioli in boiling water for about 14 min. Drain and set aside.

Once meat and tomato mixture is done remove bay leaf and stir in mastaccioli. Turn mixture into a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 min. Remove foil, place mozzorella on top, and bake for 5 minutes more.

One of our favorite recipes. Thanks, Mom!