Ham And Bean Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large cooking onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups diced cooked ham
3 cups cooked white pea beans
2 cups canned Italian tomatoes or 2 cups Mexican-style stewed tomatoes with jalapeno peppers, diced
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup romano cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup grated provolone cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon basil (optional)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)

Preparation

In a nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium/high heat. Saute the onions and garlic until soft. Remove from heat.
(Note: If you are using Italian stewed tomatoes, change the cheese to the Provolone and add the basil & pepper. If you are using the Mexican stew tomatoes stay with the cheddar cheese.).
In a large bowl, combine the garlic/onion mixture with the ham, beans, tomatoes, cheese, basil & pepper. Spoon into a lightly greased 3 quart casserole dish.
Combine 1 Tbs olive oil, bread crumbs, parmesan and parsley and spoon evenly over casserole. Bake in a preheated 350\u00b0F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until topping is a light golden color.