Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
57175 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe
Description
Baked Ziti with Sausage is composed of dried pasta, typically ziti or penne, which is either soaked in hot salted water or cooked traditionally before layering. The sauce starts with browning pancetta and ground Italian sausage, then softening onions and garlic before adding marinara and herbs such as basil and parsley alongside crushed red pepper for mild heat. This sauce is simmered to blend flavors.
The cheese filling combines ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, and seasonings, giving a creamy and rich texture that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. The assembly involves combining the sauce, pasta, and cheeses in a baking dish and cooking in an oven to meld ingredients and develop a bubbly surface.
There is an option to prepare this dish in a slow cooker by skipping pre-soaking the pasta, adding water for moisture, and cooking on low heat for several hours, which yields a convenient alternative method. This casserole fits well as a satisfying main dish for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne, dried
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 4 ounces pancetta diced
- 1 large onion peeled and diced, sweet
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 48 ounces marinara sauce homemade or jarred
- 1/4 cup basil or 1 TB dried basil, fresh, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 pound ricotta cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese shredded
- 5 ounces Parmesan Cheese shaved
- 2 large egg
Instructions
- No-Boil Method: Place the dried ziti in a large bowl. Add a generous spoonful of salt and fill the bowl with very hot tap water. Stir well, then allow the pasta to soak for 20-25 minutes. (You can also boil the pasta according to package instructions.)
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set out a 9 X 13 inch (3 quart) baking dish. Set a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced pancetta to the sauté pan. Move it around the pan to brown for 3 minutes. Then add the sausage. Stir and break the sausage into small pieces, cooking another 3 minutes. Finally, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes to soften.
- Once the onions are soft, stir in the marinara, basil, parsley, and crushed red pepper. Turn the stovetop to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes, while you make the ricotta filling.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the parmesan, eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- Once the ziti has soaked for at least 20 minutes, drain off the water and pour the drained ziti into the simmering meat sauce. Mix well and turn off the heat.
- Scoop half the ziti and sauce into the baking dish. Spread into an even layer. Then spoon the ricotta mixture over the ziti. Spread the ricotta to cover the ziti. Then top the ricotta with the remaining ziti and sauce. Sprinkle the top of the ziti with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then take the foil off the top and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this recipe in a slow cooker by making the sauce on the stovetop, then assembling the ingredients with added water; cook on low for 3-5 hours.
- If using the slow cooker method, do not pre-soak or boil the pasta beforehand.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 57175 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 571.75kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 39.4g | 13% |
| Protein | 31.71g | 63% |
| Fat | 31.9g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 15.06g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 125.78mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1374.62mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 708.18mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3.22g | 13% |
| Sugar | 7.86g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1230.41IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 11.59mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 450.3mg | 45% |
| Iron | 2.86mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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