1-2-3 Pasta Pie

2 1/2 cups hot cooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni, penne, rigatoni, mostaccioli or mostacciolini
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/4 cups prepared spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 small green pepper, thinly sliced into rings

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine pasta, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and butter; toss. Press into buttered 9-inch pie plate or 9-inch baking dish. Top with 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

In medium skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef; drain. Add spaghetti sauce and oregano; mix well. Spoon meat mixture over pasta. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Return to oven just to melt cheese. Garnish with green pepper.

Serves 6.

Copyright 1995, The Associated Press