Grandma's Mostaccioli

Recipe from Elizabeth Ouellette

1 lb mostaccioli pasta (or penne)
3 Tbsp bacon grease
1 lb lean ground beef
½ C chopped onion
1 6oz can tomato paste
2-14.5 oz cans chopped tomato
¼ tsp oregano
¼ tsp sweet basil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
2 C water
Optional: serve with grated parmesan cheese.

Heat grease in heavy skillet, add beef and brown. Add onion and garlic. Add tomatoes and mash up with meat. Add tomato paste and seasonings. Stir well, add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
While sauce is simmering cook pasta according to package directions.
When pasta and sauce are finished, combine and serve with parmesan cheese.
This use to be a popular picnic side dish in St. Louis, MO.