ITALIAN-INSPIRED CASSEROLE

Italian-Inspired Casserole image

I come from a huge family, and it seems there is always a potluck occasion. No matter what time of year, this hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian casserole is always a hit. It's easy to make and serve. -Rita Goshaw, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 16-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (8-3/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 package (16 ounces) wide noodles, cooked and drained
8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, beef, onion and green pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add corn and olives. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in noodles. , Pour into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Top with cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 542mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.