LAYERED ITALIAN CASSEROLE

Layered Italian Casserole image

Provided by Thea

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces dried rotini pasta or 6 ounces penne pasta
12 ounces sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) or 12 ounces ground beef
1 (6 ounce) can contadina italian paste with roasted garlic
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Contadina diced tomatoes, with
mixed Italian herbs
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can cut green italian beans or 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 (15 ounce) carton ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons contadina seasoned Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Meanwhile, cook sausage in skillet until browned; drain off fat. Stir in tomato paste, undrained tomatoes, beans, rosemary and cooked pasta; heat through.
3. Spread half the mixture in 2-quart casserole. Combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella and egg; spoon over sausage mixture. Spread remaining sausage mixture on top.
4. Bake, covered, at 350F, 30 minutes. Combine bread crumbs and butter. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella; top with bread crumbs. Bake 5 minutes more to melt cheese. Let stand 5 minutes.