Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano, to taste
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1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or adjust to heat level, can use crushed chili flakes)
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1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
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1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste, can use white salt)
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1 lb dry penne pasta (can use more or less if desired)
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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12 ounces provolone cheese, grated (more if desired)
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
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1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed (can use mild, spicy is better to use)
Instructions
- Set oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- 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.
- 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).
- Add in the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste and the cayenne pepper; simmer for 5-6 minutes (breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon).
- Add in the kidney beans, and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese and parsley; toss to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and the mixture is hot and bubbly.