Macaroni Casserole

Photo: flickr user Alipyon

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

2 Sweet Italian sausages, casing removed

1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

3 lrg cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 ounce x 6 can tomato paste

2 ounces x 8 cans tomato sauce

1 -1/2 Tsp salt

1 -1/2 Tsp oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup x -2 small curd cottage cheese, drained

if real watery

2 cups grated cheddar cheese OR 1-½ cup

cup cheddar plus ½ Parmesan cheese

2 cups slightly undercooked macaroni

Preparation

Brown together over medium heat, ground beef, sausage, onion, garlic, and green pepper; drain well. Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Layer half the macaroni and half the beef in a 2 1/2 quart casserole. Top with all of the cottage cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Top with remaining macaroni, beef, and cheese, in that order.

Bake covered at 375F for 15 minutes. Partially uncover, and bake for another 15 minutes.