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Cheesy Baked Pasta Fagioli

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Course Casserole, Main
Cuisine Italian-American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz kidney beans, drained
  • 1 lb ditalini pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup ricotta
  • 1 cup fontina cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add onions, garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the paste begins to stick.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Stir diced tomatoes and kidney beans into the meat mixture. Reduce heat to low and scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavor. Simmer and taste for seasoning.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta along with a handful of grated cheese.
  • Pour half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with half the ricotta, mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe makes a generous portion—perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for future meals. Swap fontina with provolone or Monterey Jack if needed.
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