Pasta Fazool (Pasta and Beans With Sausage)

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. 1

   Set oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

3. 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. 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. 5

   Add in the drained tomatoes, tomato paste and the cayenne pepper; simmer for 5-6 minutes (breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon).

6. 6

   Add in the kidney beans, and heat through.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper.

8. 8

   Add in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese and parsley; toss to combine.

9. 9

   Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.

10. 10

    Top with grated cheese.

11. 11

    Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and the mixture is hot and bubbly.