This famous U.S. Midwestern recipe came from a famous Italian restaurant in Ohio. It is an economical dish that is the perfect comfort food.
2 c. dry rotini pasta
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. bulk mild Italian sausage
3/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 lb. white mushrooms, washed and chopped
1 T. minced garlic
1 T. Italian seasoning
15-16 oz. can diced tomatoes
15-16 oz. can tomato sauce
2 c. shredded Italian cheese blend
1 1/2 c. shredded old Cheddar cheese
If making in the oven, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook pasta in well salted water according to the package directions to a firm al dente.
Meantime, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned; discard any grease; stir in onion and mushrooms; cook until soft; add in garlic; saute 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce; simmer briefly; set aside; cool for 10 minutes.
Grease a casserole dish or the inside of the slow cooker. Spread a little sauce on the bottom of the dish or slow cooker; top with the pasta. Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese over the pasta; pour remaining sauce over the casserole.
Cover; cook in the oven for 45 minutes or in the slow cooker on Low for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. When ready, uncover; sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top; cover again until melted.
Serve.
8 servings.
*If your slow cooker's Low setting is super hot, cut the time to 1 1/2 hours. The slow cooker method is great for when you don't want to use the oven, but it's not an all day recipe.