(NC)-The simple combination of flavorful tomatoes and tender penne pasta can act as a base for a variety of saucy mealtime scenarios. For a hearty dish that satisfies cold weather comfort food cravings, add ground beef and cheese to create a pasta bake. The rich tomato flavors topped off with melted cheese will become an instant favorite and have your family begging for second servings.
 

Penne Pasta Casserole

Serves: 6

Time:

Hands on: 20-30 min

Total time: 40-50 min
 

Ingredients

3 cups dry penne pasta, uncooked

1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)

1 can (398 ml) Hunt's Diced Tomatoes

1 can (5.5fl oz) Hunt's Tomato Paste

½ cup water

3 cups (12 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese

No-stick cooking spray
 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Brown meat with onions in large skillet; drain. Stir in Hunt's Diced Tomatoes with their liquid, the tomato paste and water; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
 

In large bowl, add pasta, tomato and beef mixture, and 2 cups of cheese; toss to coat.
 

Spray 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon mixture into dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
 

Bake 25 minutes, or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted.
 

For other tasty tomato-based recipes, visit www.huntstomatoes.ca.

Tommalier

Tip: An expert when it comes to the many ways of cooking with tomatoes, Hunt's "Tommalier" and celebrity chef, David Rocco says "don't feel guilty for using cans of tomatoes - the tomato season is short in Canada, and the ones in the can are picked at their peak so they're ripe and flavorful!"