Ingredients:

  • 340g (12 oz) dried pasta shapes (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 tsp salt (5g)
  • 450g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup, 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 700g (24 oz) crushed tomatoes (a large can)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (2g)
  • ½ tsp dried basil (1g)
  • ½ tsp salt (3g)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (0.5g)
  • 1 tsp sugar (5g) (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 225g (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 50g (2oz) shredded parmesan cheese
  • 250g (9 oz) fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml), for brushing
  • Optional: extra parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C / Gas Mark 5). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil and salt.
  3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Combine cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large bowl. Mix well. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and remaining mozzarella cheese.
  6. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out heart shapes. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan.
  7. Arrange heart shapes on top of the pasta bake. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and hearts are golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.