Baked Bow Ties

With an Old School Italian Husband to cook for, I have no shortage of pasta recipes.  It's a stereotype, I know, but nonetheless true.  He loves pasta.  This particular pasta recipe is one of my favorites.  It's easy, filling and delicious.  Best of all, everyone in the family loves it.  No picky eater problems.  Ahh, peace at suppertime.  It's a rare thing of beauty.

BAKED BOW TIES

1 lb bow tie pasta, cooked to al dente
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt/pepper to taste
1 (24oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese


Cook pasta to al dente (with a little bite left to it because it's going to finish in the oven).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and pork with the onions and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Drain excess grease.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Add water and sauce.  Stir well.

Add the hot, cooked pasta and stir well.

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.  Pour pasta mixture into baking dish.

Top with shredded mozzarella (I use whole milk mozzarella cut into small cubes) and Parmesan cheese.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes until it's bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Like I said, this recipe is easy and so yummy.  Comfort food goodness.  You could lighten it up by using ground turkey, whole wheat pasta and low fat cheese.  Or just go whole hog like I did.  Why not?