Incredible Cavatini for a Crowd

Incredible Cavatini for a Crowd

Serves 12-15.

I think it's the plethora of ingredients in this pasta bake that make it ever so tasty. A great meal to serve to a large group of people... and since you can prepare it ahead of time, it makes casual entertaining that much easier!

Source: Keeping Good Company cookbook

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. medium or milk ground pork sausage

1 onion, chopped

8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)

1 (3-1/2 oz.) pkg. pepperoni slices, chopped

1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes with roasted garlic

1 (28 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce

1 (16 oz.) jar mild salsa

1 (16 oz.) pkg. shell macaroni, cooked and drained

1 c. grated Parmesan cheese

4 c. (16 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook ground beef, sausage, and onion together until meat is done. Add sliced mushrooms and saute until mushrooms are limp. Drain well; set aside.

Combine the next five ingredients with meat. Spoon half of this pasta mixture into 2 lightly greased 11 x 7 x 1-1/2" baking dishes; sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Top with remaining pasta mixture. Bake for 30 minutes; top with remaining cheeses; bake 5 minutes longer.

A Note From The Little Lady: You can also assemble completely (with last layer of cheese on top) and bake covered for the first 30 minutes, removing foil for final 5. This works especially well if you are planning on preparing ahead of time and refrigerating or freezing.