*(Serves 6-8)*
### **Ingredients:**
– **1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef** (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
– **1 onion, diced**
– **3 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 bell pepper, diced** (any color)
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained**
– **1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce**
– **1 cup beef or chicken broth**
– **1 tsp Italian seasoning**
– **1 tsp paprika**
– **½ tsp red pepper flakes** (optional, for heat)
– **Salt and black pepper, to taste**
– **2 cups uncooked pasta** (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
– **1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese** (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
– **Fresh parsley or basil, chopped** (for garnish)
### **Optional Add-Ins:**
– **1 cup sliced mushrooms**
– **1 zucchini, diced**
– **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Brown the Meat & Sauté Veggies**
1. In a **large skillet or Dutch oven**, cook the **ground beef** over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add **onion, garlic, and bell pepper**, cooking for **3-4 minutes** until softened.
### **2. Simmer the Sauce**
1. Stir in **diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper**.
2. Bring to a **gentle simmer**, then reduce heat and let it cook for **10 minutes** to meld flavors.
### **3. Cook the Pasta**
1. Meanwhile, cook the **pasta** according to package instructions until **al dente**. Drain and set aside.
### **4. Combine & Bake**
1. Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
2. In a **greased 9×13-inch baking dish**, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
3. Top with **shredded cheese** (and Parmesan, if using).
4. Bake for **15-20 minutes**, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
### **5. Garnish & Serve!**
1. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with **fresh herbs**.
2. Serve with **garlic bread or a crisp salad**.
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## **What Makes This Dish So Special?**
✨ **Comfort food at its best** – Hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.
✨ **Easy to customize** – Add spinach, swap proteins, or make it spicy.
✨ **Perfect for potlucks** – Travels well and always disappears fast!
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## **Tips for the Best Results**
✅ **Don’t overcook the pasta** – It will soften more while baking.
✅ **Make it ahead** – Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 5-10 extra minutes).
✅ **Freezer-friendly** – Bake, cool, then freeze for up to 3 months (reheat at 350°F).
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### **Final Thoughts**
This is the kind of recipe that turns an **ordinary dinner into a memorable meal**—just like my daughter-in-law did! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a guaranteed **home run**.
**Have you tried it? Tag us or leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how it turned out!** ❤️🍽️
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**Want a low-carb version?** Swap pasta for **cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles**! Need it gluten-free? Use **GF pasta**. Let us know if you’d like variations! 😊
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