Baked Pasta

A spicy pasta casserole, a good one to serve a crowd. Of course you can use more or less seasonings to suit your taste.

4 cups penne or other small pasta
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 onions, chopped
1 can (28 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 teaspoon dried chilies
1/2 teaspoon Tobasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta and drain.

In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef, garlic and onion. Drain fat. Add tomatoes, brown sugar, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and pasta.

Cut cream cheese into 1/2 inch cubes and stir into the meat sauce.

Put the mixture in a 4 quart casserole dish, or 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 8 servings.