Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Penne

Who doesn't love a big pan of cheesy baked pasta? I saw so many variations of "Million Baked Penne" on pinterest but when I saw a post from blogger behind Carlsbad Cravings with her delicious baked penne recipe, I had to make it. Needless to say it was a massive hit in our household!!! Dr. Sweetpea ate so much I thought he wouldn't eat anything the next day. This is definitely something I'll be making for us again. 

Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Penne

(Source: Carlsbad Cravings) 

1 pound penne pasta, uncooked

6-8 slices provolone cheese

1 1/2 cups sour cream

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese more or less to taste

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese more or less to taste

Meat Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef

1 pound bulk Italian Sausage

1 onion, chopped

6-8 garlic cloves, minced

1  (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes in puree

1  (15 oz) can tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons beef bouillon

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions just until al dente – don’t overcook! Strain and rinse with cold water. In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef, sausage and onion over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 more seconds. Drain grease. Add all remaining Sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees F. When oven reaches full temperate, mix cooked pasta with Sauce. In a 9x13 pan, layer evenly: 1/2 the pasta, 1/2 mozzarella, all provolone, all sour cream, remaining pasta, remaining mozzarella and top with Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Broil until cheese is golden. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.