Now that I have a break for a few weeks, I thought it was time to start up my recipe collection again. This is a classic recipe of my family that we (my sister and I) actually were not introduced to until recently. For my Mom’s birthday this year she asked if we would make this recipe that my Grandmother used to make for her and her sisters when they were growing up. It is quite involved, but it is extremely delicious and makes enough for a crowd. Oh and it’s a kid favorite! My nephew has been asking for it again ever since we made it.

Ingredients:

Mostaccioli Pasta

Parmesan Cheese

2 lbs ground beef divided

1 lb ground Italian sausage

1 large minced onion

1/2 minced green pepper

2 minced celery ribs

2 cloves garlic chopped fine

2 tbs worcestershire sauce

1 and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 to 2 tsp Chili powder

Pinch ground clove

Pinch parsley flakes

Dash hot sauce

2 bay leaves

4 cups of diced tomatoes

3 cans of tomato paste

2 eggs

Bread crumbs

Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

Brown together in olive oil:  1 lb ground beef and 1lb Italian sausage (either links cut into slices, or sausage broken up like we do for lasagna) with 1 large onion minced, 1/2 green pepper minced, 2 celery ribs minced, and 2 cloves garlic.  Drain, then add 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper, 1 1/2 teas. Italian seasoning, 1-2 teas. chili powder, 1 quick shake of ground clove (mom says NO more, be careful, just a little shake), pinch parsley flakes, dash Tabasco (hot sauce) and 2 bay leaves.  Add 4 cups diced tomatoes in juice. Add 3 cans tomato paste.  Cook for 2 hours (simmer on low)

Meanwhile make meatballs (can be made ahead) – 1 lb. ground beef, 2 eggs, bread crumbs – roll into small balls and brown (or cook in oven until done)

Cook mostaccioli according to box directions.

Combine meat sauce, mostaccioli, and meatballs and put lots of parmesan on top.

Makes 4 quarts.