Baked Rigatoni With Meatballs - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 1/2 cups rigatoni pasta
1 1/3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Meatballs
1 egg
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 lb lean ground turkey

Preparation

Meatballs:
In bowl, beat egg lightly; mix in onion, crumbs, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix in turkey. Shape heaping tablespoonfuls into balls.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; cook meatballs, in batches if necessary, for 8-10 minutes or until browned on all sides. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, green pepper, basil, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper and 2 tb water to skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste; bring to boil. Add meatballs; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni for about 8 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm. Drain and return to pot; add tomato sauce, stirring to coat rigatoni.
Transfer to 11x7-inch baking dish or 8-cup shallow oven casserole. Sprinkle mozzarella (use part-skim mozzarella), then Parmesan evenly over top.
Bake in 400\u00b0F oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and top is golden.