Sausage and Bean Casserole

This is the classic Italian pasta and beans recipe which includes Italian sausage and ground beef and topped with cheese, then baked in the oven.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano (or to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 -3  tablespoons  oil
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or use diced tomatoed with juice)
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
•  salt and pepper
• 1  lb mostaccioli pasta, cooked to firm-tender and drained
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped (or to taste)
• 2  cups mozzarella cheese, grated (mozzeralla)

Directions

1. Set oven to 400 degrees.
2. Grease a 13 x 9 casserole dish.
3. In a heavy large sautepan, saute the first 6 ingredients over medium-high heat until sausage and beef are brown, crumbling with a fork (about 5 minutes).
4. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and cayenne; simmer for 5 minuted, breaking up tomatoes with back of a spoon.
5. Add in the kidney beans, and heat through just for a few minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add in the cooked mostaccioli pasta, Parmesan and parsley; toss to combine.
8. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle with the grated Fontina or Provolone.
10. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese melts -- delicious!