Italian Pasta And Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)1 large onion, chopped4 garlic cloves, chopped1 teaspoon dried oregano1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 can (28 ounces) Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped2 tablespoons tomato paste1-1/2 teaspoons salt1/2 teaspoon pepper1 can (15-1/2 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained1 pound mostaccioli, rigatoni or macaroni, cooked and drained1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley1 pound shredded Fontina or mozzarella cheese

Preparation

In a large skillet, saute first six ingredients, crumbling with a fork, until the meat is browned and done. Drain. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and kidney beans; heat through.

Add pasta, Parmesan cheese and parsley; toss well. Spoon into a greased shallow 4-qt. baking dish; sprinkle with Fontina or mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes.