Italian Sausage and Spinach Casserole

A delicious and healthy dinner for cold nights.

• 3/4 pound fresh Italian sausage links
• 2 10-oz packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 15-ounce can Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 teaspoons butter, melted

1. In a large skillet cook sausage over medium heat about 8 minutes or until no pink remains, turning often. Drain on paper towels. Slice into bite-size pieces.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine cooked sausage, spinach, beans, onion, milk, 1/4 cup of the Romano or Parmesan cheese, lemon peel, lemon juice, nutmeg, and pepper. Transfer mixture to a greased 2-quart oval or square baking dish.

3. For topping, in a small mixing bowl combine bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup of the Romano or Parmesan cheese, garlic, and melted margarine or butter; sprinkle atop casserole. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degrees oven for 35 minutes or until heated through.