Do you host family gatherings? Our kids' birthday parties are always extended family gatherings, since my parents and siblings all live within 15 minutes of us. So with us, my parents, my sister's family and my brother's family, there are 16 people, 8 adults, and 8 children. And now that every one of those kiddos is eating grown up food, sometimes making enough food can be overwhelming.However, having hosted several large gatherings in the past, I know that the more I can do ahead, the better.

This baked penne dish is perfect to make ahead for family get-togethers.

I made up the casserole the night before, and simply threw it in the oven around an hour before the party. Now, I made 1 1/2 casseroles for my party, and we had some leftovers. I think that a 9x13 dish will serve around 12, with a little leftover.

Here's what you need:


1 pound of my "faux" sausage
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 24 oz jar of pasta sauce
1 16 oz box of penne
8 oz. block mozzarella cheese

Cook meat as directed and crumble.


Boil noodles as directed on box, but take off heat and drain 1 minute before the shortest time on the box (so if it says cook for 8-10 minutes, cook for only 7). Shred half of the cheese. Mix all of the ingredients except the unshredded half of the cheese.


Spread the pasta mixture into a 9x13 dish. You can refrigerate overnight at this point.


When you're ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit while you preheat oven to 350. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. While baking, shred the remainder of the cheese.

Uncover and spread cheese over top of noodle mixture and bake for 20 more minutes.


Enjoy!