Baked Pasta with Meatballs.

As much as I love brats, burgers, and steaks on the grill. As much as summer means potato salad and baked beans. I was hungry for some comfort food. Something that would made my oven work. Something that would go well with the spinach strawberry salad that I had ready to go.

I headed over to For the Love of Cooking knowing that I would find something wonderful. After bookmarking several recipes I decided to go with a baked ziti of sorts.

Baked Pasta with Meatballs

(Adapted from For the Love of Cooking)

Sauce:

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 tablespoons dried onion

3 medium sized mushrooms (thinly sliced)

4 teaspoons dried garlic

1 quart crushed tomatoes

1 quart tomato sauce

1 small can tomato paste

(This is my standard from my canned tomatoes - you could also use 1-28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, 1-15 oz. can of tomato sauce)

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 pinch of red pepper flakes

salt & pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a slow cooker. Add the mushrooms and saute until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and allow to cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef

3 medium mushrooms (diced into small pieces)

2 tablespoons dried onion

1/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon dried garlic

1 egg

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

salt & pepper to taste

Combine ingredients and mix well. Form into small meatballs. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and add to the tomato sauce.

Pasta:

1-box favorite pasta

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)

Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Combine pasta with sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Pour pasta mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and chopped basil.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

This recipe did not disappoint! It's a nice variation on spaghetti and meatballs or traditional baked ziti. The meatballs are delicious and smell so good when cooking. And who doesn't love melted cheese!!