Best 4 Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a hearty and flavorful twist: Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole. This delectable dish features tender ziti pasta, perfectly cooked Italian sausage, a rich and creamy sauce, and a delightful blend of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. With its irresistible aroma and tantalizing taste, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

The recipe section provides three variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. The Classic Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole is a timeless recipe that showcases the harmonious blend of pasta, sausage, and a luscious tomato-based sauce. For a lighter version, the Lightened-Up Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole offers a healthier alternative with lean sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and a creamy white sauce. And for those who love a spicy kick, the Spicy Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole incorporates a zesty blend of spices, diced jalapeños, and a spicy tomato sauce for an extra layer of heat.

These recipes are meticulously crafted to ensure a delightful culinary experience. Each step is explained in detail, making them easy to follow even for novice cooks. Tips and suggestions are also provided to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your casserole.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delightful journey into the world of Italian-American comfort food. With Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole, you'll create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

A classic pasta bake for busy weeknights, our Baked Ziti with Sausage is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This easy, cheesy dish uses three cheeses - ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan - to create the perfect counterpart to our tomato-based meat sauce with ground sausage. And, trust us, it's this homemade sausage meat sauce that really packs in the flavor. The addition of pancetta, or cured pork belly, makes this mid-week casserole a meat lover's dream. If you haven't used pancetta before, it's the same thing as bacon just without the smoke. You can easily find it in the deli at most supermarkets.Serve this satisfying Baked Ziti with Sausage just once, and your kids are sure to request it again and again. Good thing it's ready in under an hour.

Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen

Categories     Casserole

Time 55m

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (1-lb.) package ground Italian sausage
1 cup dry red wine
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup firmly packed torn fresh basil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 (8-oz.) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Vegetable cooking spray
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare ziti according to package directions for al dente.
  • Meanwhile, cook pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add sausage, and sauté 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add wine, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and next 3 ingredients. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.
  • Stir ricotta and 1 cup mozzarella cheese into hot cooked pasta. Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer pasta mixture to prepared dish, and top with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti and Sausage image

This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.-Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups uncooked ziti or other small tube pasta
1/2 pound Italian sausage links
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Paprika

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; place in a large bowl. In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and cut into 1/2-in. slices., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and remaining Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Add sausage to the remaining pasta mixture; spoon over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts :

BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti Casserole image

With its rich Italian flavor and generous combination of cheeses, it's hard to believe this pasta entree is light. this simple, meatless baked ziti is made up of six ingredients. It's sure to become a favorite with your family.-Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 jar (28 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. , Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with a third of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1 cup sauce. Repeat layers of pasta, ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining pasta, sauce mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 508mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole image

This recipe was taken from McCall's magazine years ago, it has remained a family favorite for years! you can use ricotta cheese in place of the cottage cheese if desired.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Pork

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta
3 tablespoons oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!)
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional)
1/4 cup flour
seasoning salt or white salt
black pepper
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 (1 lb) carton cream-style cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper
1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
paprika

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until JUST tender (do not over-cook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven!).
  • Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
  • Heat oil; add in the sausage meat and cook until browned, remove to a plate.
  • For the white sauce; melt butter in a medium saucepan; add the onion, garlic and cayenne pepper if using) saute for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in flour and whisk for 1 minute.
  • Slowly add in half and half cream; bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
  • Remove from heat; add in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, then season with seasoned salt (or white salt) and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the bowl; mix with a wooden spoon.
  • In a medium bowl mix together the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg and chopped parsley, then season with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Spoon HALF of the creamed ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, then spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
  • Sprinkle the cooked sausage meat on the top.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle paprika on top.
  • Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
  • Let stand about 5 or more minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your baked ziti and sausage casserole taste its best. Look for high-quality sausage, cheese, and pasta.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly undercooked, so that it doesn't become mushy in the casserole.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of different cheeses will give your casserole a more complex flavor. Try using a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese.
  • Don't skimp on the sauce: Use a generous amount of sauce so that the casserole is moist and flavorful. You can use your favorite marinara sauce or make your own.
  • Bake the casserole until it's bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that the casserole is cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti and sausage casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its hearty combination of pasta, sausage, cheese, and sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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