Pasta E Fagioli Casserole
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
Indulge in this hearty and comforting Pasta E Fagioli Casserole, a perfect one-dish meal to satisfy your family’s cravings for rich, flavorful Italian-inspired dishes. Combining the richness of hot Italian sausage, ground beef, kidney beans, and a medley of flavorful herbs with pasta and melted cheese, this casserole is a delightful blend of savory flavors. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at your next family gathering, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite. You can even make it ahead and freeze it for convenience—just thaw and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian tomatoes | 1 can |
| Kidney beans | 1 can |
| Hot Italian sausage | 1/2 lb |
| Ground beef | 1/2 lb |
| Yellow onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/8 tsp |
| Penne pasta | 1/2 lb |
| Mostaccioli pasta | 1/4 lb |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Fontina cheese | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 367.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 17.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 49.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 619 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 34.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 6.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 4.5 g |
| Protein Content | 19.9 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the meats and vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up into smaller pieces as they cook. Continue sautéing until the meats are browned and cooked through. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. -
Season and add the base ingredients:
Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Then, pour in the Italian tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beans (drained and rinsed). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. -
Combine with pasta and cheese:
While the meat mixture is simmering, cook the penne and mostaccioli pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and then add it to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, mixing well until everything is evenly combined. -
Assemble the casserole:
Spoon the pasta and meat mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and fontina cheese, ensuring the top is fully covered with melted goodness. -
Bake to perfection:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. If you prefer a slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown. -
Freezing option:
For future convenience, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking. To do this, simply assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.
- You can use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti, depending on what you have on hand.
- This casserole can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and ground beef and using plant-based sausage or additional beans as a substitute.
Enjoy this wonderfully satisfying Pasta E Fagioli Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and savor the delicious flavors of Italy. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish offers everything you love about traditional pasta e fagioli in a convenient, baked casserole form!
