Pasta Fazool (Pasta and Beans With Sausage)

This is a delicious dish that includes beans, pasta and sausage meat all in one, topped with cheese then baked in the oven, it's a very popular Italian dish and there are many versions of this recipe, this one is a family favorite, I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does! --- If you prefer a dryer mixture then drain the tomatoes, ziti pasta works well in place of penne, please adjust the cayenne pepper to suit heat level, prep time includes cooking the pasta.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed (can use mild, spicy is better to use)
• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano, to taste
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to heat level, can use crushed chili flakes)
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1  teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste, can use white salt)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1  lb dry penne pasta (can use more or less if desired)
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh parsley
• 12  ounces provolone cheese, grated (more if desired)

Directions

1. Set oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. Cook the pasta until just al dente (do not overcook); drain, do not rinse and immediately toss with 1-2 Tbsp oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
4. In a large fry pan, sauté the sausage, ground beef, onion, garlic, dried oregano and thyme, over med-high heat, until the sausage and the ground beef are brown, crumbling with a fork while cooking (about 6-7 minutes).
5. 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).
6. Add in the kidney beans, and heat through.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese and parsley; toss to combine.
9. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
10. Top with grated cheese.
11. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and the mixture is hot and bubbly.