Hearty Meat Lovers Casserole: A Comforting Delight for Meat Enthusiasts

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups cooked pasta (rigatoni or penne)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste salt and pepper
• for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
4. Stir in the diced ham, cooked bacon, and canned diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Transfer half of the pasta-meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Then add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Once done, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.