Italian Casserole

Total Time Prep: 40 min. Bake: 25 min.

Yield 16-20 servings

A hearty casserole is always a good choice for a family meal or a potluck, and this Italian casserole is no exception! Packed with ground beef, sausage, noodles, cheese and olives in a tomato sauce, it's comforting any time you make it.

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

Directions

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

1 each: 273 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

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

Recipe Creator