Hamburger Casserole

Our mother always mixed various items with macaroni for supper.   This recipe reminds me of her. 

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 T olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 T dried thyme
• ¾ t salt
• 28 ozs tomatoes, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 oz. any pasta, cooked to al dente and drained
•  1 c mozzarella, shredded
• ¼ c parmesan cheese
• ¼ c fresh parsley,chopped

Place the oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.   Cook for five minutes and add the onion, garlic, thyme and salt.  Cook for five minutes and add the tomatoes and bay leaf, bringing to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for half an hour.   Add the cooked pasta and place in a 9” x 13” baking dish. 

Preheat the broiler to high and place the rack to the center of the oven.

In a bowl, mix together mozzarella, parmesan and parsley.  Sprinkle over the pasta and broil for five minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Rest for 5 minutes before serving