Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 8 ounces pasta (your choice: rotini, penne, etc.)
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Mixing bowl
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I turn the heat on medium-high and get my skillet nice and hot. I add the ground beef (or sausage, depending on my mood) and cook it until it’s browned and crumbly. As it cooks, I throw in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper, letting the fragrant aromas waft through my kitchen. It always takes me back to family dinners! Make sure to season everything with salt and pepper, as this really helps build the flavor. Then, I like to add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring it all together. This is the base of our delicious skillet bake! (See the next page below to continue steps…)