Sausage Pizza Bake - Italian sausage

Method

• In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Remove from skillet and drain.
• ( I like to put the sausage in a colander and run hot water over it to get all the grease off that I can ).
• As sausage is cooking, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente ( slightly firm to the tooth).
• You don't want to cook it too long or the final product will be mushy.
• Add green pepper, onion,garlic, oregano and basil to the skillet and cook until onions are wilted but not browned.
• Add a small bit of olive oil or water, if necessary.
• Stir in tomato sauce and the water; simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
• In a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish that has been coated with cooking spray, combine the macaroni, sausage, and tomato sauce mixture, mixing well.
• Add half of the mozzarelle cheese and half ( 2 T. ) of the Parmesan cheese to the casserole dish and mix to distribute evenly.
• Top casserole with remaining diced Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until top is golden brown.