Recipe: Baked Pasta with Beef and Beans (make ahead)

BAKED PASTA WITH BEEF AND BEANS

1/4 cup Crisco vegetable oil, divided use
1/2 pound mostaccioli or penne pasta, uncooked
1 pound ground beef (or 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound Italian sausage)
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic (or 1 large garlic clove, peeled and minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons oil and pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

While pasta is cooking, heat large skillet on medium-high heat. Add beef. Cook 3 minutes, breaking up with fork, or until no longer pink. Remove from pan. Discard drippings. Wipe out skillet.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in skillet on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent.

Return beef to pan. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well. Cook 5 minutes.

Combine pasta, meat mixture and beans in 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
The dish can be prepared up to baking a day in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered with plastic wrap. If chilled, bake at 375 degrees F for 35 to 45 minutes.

TIP:
To remove as much saturated fat from the meat as possible, drain it on paper towels or place it in a mesh sieve or colander and pour hot water over it after it has browned.

*Use your favorite Crisco Oil product.

Servings: 4
Adapted from source: The Procter & Gamble Company