For the sauce; heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat; add in onion, bell pepper, oregano, basil and chili flakes (if using) sauté for about 5 minutes (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking).
Add in the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.
Add in all remaining ingredients; bring to a boil and simmer (UNCOVERED) on low heat for about 1-1/2 hours.
Season with salt and pepper then remove the bay leaf.
At this point you can cool then refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Set oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a medium casserole dish (or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish).
In a large skillet cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking up with a spoon until crumbled; drain fat.
To the skillet add in about 5 cups prepared tomato sauce (more is okay, or just go ahead and use the whole amount of sauce if desired more sauce will never hurt lol!) cook for about 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat.
Remove from heat and add in 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese; stir with wooden spoon to combine.
Add in the cooked penne pasta; toss to combine with sauce and cheese.
Transfer to baking dish.
Bake for about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese then about 1/2 cup (or more) mozzarella cheese, return to oven and cook 5-8 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.
Delicious!

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	398.04 Kcal (1667 kJ)
Calories from fat	180.67 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	20.07g	31%
Cholesterol	47mg	16%
Sodium	459.72mg	19%
Potassium	350.72mg	7%
Total Carbs	19.06g	6%
Sugars	5.28g	21%
Dietary Fiber	6.48g	26%
Protein	29.79g	60%
Vitamin C	19.5mg	33%
Vitamin A	0.4mg	12%
Iron	7.9mg	44%
Calcium	434.3mg	43%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	136.44 Kcal (571 kJ)
Calories from fat	61.93 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	6.88g	31%
Cholesterol	16.11mg	16%
Sodium	157.58mg	19%
Potassium	120.22mg	7%
Total Carbs	6.53g	6%
Sugars	1.81g	21%
Dietary Fiber	2.22g	26%
Protein	10.21g	60%
Vitamin C	6.7mg	33%
Vitamin A	0.1mg	12%
Iron	2.7mg	44%
Calcium	148.9mg	43%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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