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Baked Ziti With Sausage and Beef
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- #79951
Meaty ziti bake that serves a big table and leaves everybody full. Pasta layered with tomato sauce, a three-cheese blend, and a dynamic duo of sweet sausage and beef. Easy to assemble ahead of time and bake when you need it.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
4 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
2 pounds ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 jars (26 ounce size) tomato pasta sauce (gravy to Italians)
1 pound bulk sweet sausage
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
directions
Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted, boiling water. Drain well and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Place a layer of pasta sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Add a layer of pasta, topped with a layer of the cheese mixture. Add a layer of the meat.
Repeat the layers of sauce, cheese, and meat. Top the final layer with Parmesan cheese.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 325 degrees F for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly in the middle.
Serve hot.
recipe tips
Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Add extra herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for more flavor.
Let the ziti sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage.
Try different cheese blends like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique flavor profile.
You can add sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat mixture for a heartier sauce layer.
If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil during the last part of baking to prevent burning.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape you prefer.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
While ricotta cheese is traditional in baked ziti, you can substitute it with cottage cheese.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the ziti bake ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
How do I reheat the ziti?
To reheat baked ziti, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
nutrition data
689 calories, 45 grams fat, 35 grams carbohydrates, 36 grams protein per serving.
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
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reviews & comments
June 6, 2020
Its really good but I find that using two eggs makes it too wet, I,m using one egg this time and see if its not as "soupy"
I surely will be making this recipe tonight for my wife and kids. I will be back with my honest critique.
June 11, 2018
If you enjoy simple Italian food and leftovers- TRY THIS! Pleased the whole family, adults and children alike- with plenty of leftovers for lunches.
September 24, 2014
I used bulk sausage so the texture is different than what is written here but it was very good. I had to assume though that "tomato gravy" meant pasta sauce since most of my east coast italian friends call it that.
March 3, 2012
My Son and his best friend made this for us and it was awesome. Myself and the kids can't eat real spicey foods and this was just right. Plenty of flavor without the Hot. Excellent recipe.