ITALIAN CORN CASSEROLE

Italian Corn Casserole image

Provided by Amy Alusa @amyalusa

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 pound(s) lean ground beef, cooked and drained
1/2 pound(s) italian sausage, cooked and drained (optional)
1 jar(s) jar of favorite pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce
3 can(s) whole kernel corn, drained
2 1/2 cup(s) cheddar cheese, grated or italian blend or other cheese of your liking
1/2 cup(s) parmesan cheese, grated
1 large 16 oz. package of rotini pasta (vegetable is great)
1 can(s) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 large yellow onion
2 tablespoon(s) minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) dried basil
1 tablespoon(s) parsley
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground marjoram
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground rosemary
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
1/2 cup(s) white cooking wine
1 can(s) diced tomatoes
3/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar
splash red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
2 tablespoon(s) butter

Steps:

Cook the pasta al dente ('till you can cut it with a fork; usually about 8 minutes). While you wait for water to boil and pasta to cook, begin cooking the meat/s.
Cook meat/s, adding splash of red wine vinegar and drain when cooked. Set aside.
In a large skillet, add 2 Tbs. of olive oil and 2 Tbs. of butter. Heat until butter is melted and well combined. Add chopped onion and garlic. cook until almost translucent. Add wine. Cook until onions and garlic are translucent and tender. Next add seasonings one at a time; rubbing in the palm of your hand to crush well before adding. When completely cooked, stir into the meat.
When pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly. Pour meat mixture, cheeses, pasta sauce, drained canned corn and add brown sugar. Stir well, mixing thoroughly over medium heat to heat well throughout.
Serve hot with a green salad or side of zucchini and garlic toast.
html Marinara Sauce recipe link: //www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/pork/beef/marinara-sauce.