Italian Pasta and Bean Casserole
A family favorite! if you prefer a dryer mixture then drain the tomatoes, ziti also works well in place of the penne pasta… this is very good!
Servings 8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed (can use mild or spicy I prefer the spicy)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (rubbed between fingers to release the flavors)
- 1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 to 6 large garlic cloves, chopped (do not finely mince)
- 1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes, or adjust to heat level
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound uncooked penne pasta (can use more or less if desired)
- 1cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided (can use more)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:—————————————-
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Cook the pasta until only about halfway (leaving still semi-firm) drain and do not rinse then immediately toss with 2 tablespoons oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high saute the sausage meat with ground beef, onion, dried oregano and thyme until the sausage and the ground beef is browned crumbling with a fork while cooking (this may take about 8-10 minutes for the meat to brown) drain fat.
- Add in garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste and the cayenne pepper; simmer for 5-6 minutes (breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon).
- Add in the kidney beans and heat through.
- Add in the cooked pasta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and parsley; toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup or more Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Related posts:
- Spicy Italian Sausage And Bean Soup
Kitten’s Meaty Italian Pasta Sauce
Kitten’s Italian Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup (Vegetarian Option)
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