Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 lb dried pasta (such as penne, ziti, or macaroni)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, black beans, corn, bell peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- Stir in cooked pasta and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
Dish Characteristics:
- Comforting and hearty
- Packed with vegetables and protein
- Perfect for a casual dinner or family gathering
- Easy to make and customizable
User Comments:
- "This casserole was amazing! It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables."
- "I loved the combination of flavors in this dish. It was savory and satisfying."
- "This was a hit at my potluck party. Everyone raved about how delicious it was."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If desired, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add other vegetables to your liking, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.