Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4 lbs. ground beef
• 1 lb. imported spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar Monte Bene pasta sauce (any flavor)
• 1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 1 tsp. salt
• Pepper to taste
• Basil leaves, sliced

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and set aside. Mix 1/2 cup of heated Monte Bene pasta sauce into spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper. Make meat into 1 1/2" balls and place in a baking dish. Add 1/8" film of water to baking dish to keep meatballs moist. Bake for 12-15 minutes. When meatballs are done, plate the pasta, top with meatballs, and spread remaining pasta sauce evenly. Top with extra pecorino Romano cheese and basil as desired.

 Try different Monte Bene pasta sauce flavors to mix up this classic dish!

Serves 5 to 7

Ingredients: 

For the dough:

• Two prepared pizza crusts

• 1 package instant yeast
• 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups very warm water (120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 1/3 cup shortening (gently dissolved in microwave and cooled)
• 2 tbsp. honey (dissolved in warm water)
• 1 tsp salt

For the toppings:              

• 2 cups Monte Bene Tomato Basil pasta sauce
• 2/3 lb. Mozzarella Cheese, shredded or sliced
• 1/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 2 medium sized tomatoes, sliced
• 12 fresh basil leaves

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine 2 cups flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add water and honey mixture and shortening, mixing until well blended (1 to 2 minutes). Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, round dough begins to form. Dough should be slightly sticky. Remove dough from bowl and place on floured surface. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 4 minutes). Divide dough in half and roll each half into a ball. With floured hands, spread dough onto a lightly flour-coated cooking sheet. Pinch the edges to form a crust.

Spread Monte Bene Tomato Basil pasta sauce onto uncooked dough, coating evenly. Bake for 8 minutes, remove, and add all other ingredients. Repeat with second pizza. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly and crust is golden brown. For best results, rotate pizzas between top and bottom oven racks halfway through. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with Pecorino Romano cheese.

Let the kids join in on this simple, fun recipe... It's okay to get your hands messy!

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Monte Bene Garlic Marinara pasta sauce
• 1 lb. penne
• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. salt

Preparation: 

Cook penne al dente, drain, and set aside. In a skillet, brown the ground beef on medium-high until cooked thoroughly, stirring to granulate meat. Drain the excess oil and then stir in salt. Add Monte Bene Garlic Marinara pasta sauce and butter. Bring to a simmer on medium heat, stirring constantly to mix in the butter (approximately 2 minutes). Stir 1/2 cup of sauce mixture into spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking. Simmer the sauce mixture for an additional 2 minutes. Plate the spaghetti and top evenly with sauce. Sprinkle with Pecorino Romano and serve.

A quick, easy, and tasty recipe for families on the go.