Pasta Fazool Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb hot Italian sausage or sweet Italian sausage link, casings removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

• 1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained,chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed,drained
• salt and pepper
• 1 lb mostaccioli pasta, freshly cooked
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 12 ounces fontina or provolone cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F Sauté first 6 ingredients in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat until sausage and beef are brown, crumbling with fork, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add tomatoes, tomato paste and cayenne and simmer 5 minutes, breaking up tomatoes with back of spoon.

3. 3

   Add kidney beans and heat through.

4. 4

   Season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Add mostaccioli, Parmesan and parsley and toss to combine.

6. 6

   Transfer to 9x13-inch baking dish.

7. 7

   Sprinkle with cheese.

8. 8

   Bake until cheese melts, about 30 minutes.