Served as main course. Non-vegetarian dish.

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, (2 to 3)

1 1/2 pounds ground Chuck

1 pound hot or mild Italian Sausage

3 Zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

4 Garlic Cloves, chopped

1 Onion, sliced

1 cup long-grain Rice

1 can whole Tomatoes, (14 1/2 ounce)chopped

2 teaspoons Fennel seed

1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh Basil

1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh Rosemary

Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

3 cups Chicken broth or stock

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat the oil in a large 5-quart Dutch oven. Add the ground chuck and sausage. Brown. Drain and set aside. In the Dutch oven in the oil, saute the zucchini, garlic, and onion until soft and translucent. Add the rice and cook until opaque, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, fennel, red pepper flakes, basil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Heat through until just to the boil. Stir in the meat. Transfer to a rectangular baking dish. Top with the Parmesan cheese and bake 1 hour. Top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, when served. May be made 1 to 2 days ahead. The casserole freezes. Defrost and reheat.

Serves: 6 - 8

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