Best 8 Baked Ziti With Sausage Meatballs And Spinach Recipes

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Baked ziti with sausage meatballs and spinach is a delectable dish that combines the richness of sausage meatballs, the freshness of spinach, and the comforting texture of ziti pasta. This classic Italian-American casserole is a perfect meal for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its flavorful ingredients and cheesy topping, this baked ziti is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Let's explore a delicious recipe that will guide you through the steps of creating this hearty and satisfying dish.

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

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE MEATBALLS AND SPINACH



Baked Ziti With Sausage Meatballs and Spinach image

Baked ziti is meant to feed a crowd, and this one surely does. "Cheater" meatballs made with uncased Italian sausage are strewn throughout the sauce for heft, and baby spinach lends a pop of color. Because ricotta has a tendency to dry out when baked, crème fraîche is added to ensure a more velvety texture, but sour cream thinned out with a little heavy cream works just as well. The whole dish can be assembled and baked ahead the day before. Bring it to room temperature before warming, then broil right before serving for crisp edges.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound sweet Italian sausage (pork, turkey or chicken), casing removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 (28-ounce) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices
5 ounces baby spinach
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound ziti, penne or other short, tubular pasta
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta
7 ounces crème fraîche (about 1 scant cup)
1 cup grated pecorino
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut or torn into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Using your hands, shape the sausage into about 35 (1-inch) meatballs.
  • In a deep 12-inch skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium. Working in two batches, fry the meatballs until golden all over, about 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or platter. Cook the onion until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, gently crushing them. Stir in the meatballs, bring to a simmer and cook, 20 minutes. Gently fold in the spinach, tossing until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until 2 to 3 minutes short of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain pasta.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, crème fraîche and half the pecorino. Season with salt and pepper. Stir half the meatball sauce into the ricotta mixture. Add pasta and toss together to coat. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish that's at least 2 1/2 inches deep. Top with the remaining meatball sauce, the mozzarella and the remaining pecorino. Place uncovered baking dish on a sheet tray and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Turn heat to broil and cook until the cheese and pasta brown in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. (Don't walk away; the cheese can burn very quickly!) Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 567, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH, SAUSAGE, AND MOZZARELLA



Baked Ziti With Spinach, Sausage, and Mozzarella image

Make and share this Baked Ziti With Spinach, Sausage, and Mozzarella recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     Penne

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 lb hot Italian turkey sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup pesto sauce
10 ounces ziti pasta, cooked
8 ounces fresh spinach leaves, chopped (stems removed)
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (3 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, and garlic, and saute until sausage cooked through, about 10 minutes, breaking up meat with back of spoon. Add tomatoes with juice to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Lightly oil 13 x 9 glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Mix gently until spinach is wilted. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over top. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheese melt, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.1, Fat 12.9, SaturatedFat 6.7, Cholesterol 50.4, Sodium 749.9, Carbohydrate 36.2, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 6, Protein 22.5

BAKED ZITI WITH MEATBALLS



Baked Ziti with Meatballs image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup grated Romano
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef
All-purpose flour, for dredging
1 pound ziti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce
3 cups whole milk ricotta
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the Romano and the parsley, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add beef and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into bite-size meatballs. Roll each meatball in flour to coat, shaking off excess.
  • In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. If not using immediately, cover top with plastic wrap so that pasta does not dry out. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the ziti.
  • In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs in batches and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove meatballs to a plate.
  • In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce and ricotta and mix well. Add the cooked ziti and meatballs and toss gently.
  • In a large greased baking dish, pour in pasta mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Romano all over the top. Dot with the butter. Place baking dish on top of baking sheet covered with aluminum foil to collect any drippings from the dish. Bake until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes.

BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH AND MEAT



Baked Ziti with Spinach and Meat image

This recipe lasts my family of four for at least three meals when served with a dinner salad and crusty Italian bread. It is wonderful Italian comfort food.

Provided by Steven M,

Time 1h20m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces baby spinach
1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and 1/2 of the garlic in the hot skillet until beef is until browned and onion is wilted, 5 to 7 minutes. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • While the meat sauce is simmering, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Mix ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and wilted spinach in a bowl. Season with salt.
  • Place 1/2 of the ziti in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer with 1/2 of the meat sauce. Spread provolone cheese on top to form a flat surface. Spread spinach mixture over top, then cover with remaining ziti and meat sauce. Top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and sprinkle mozzarella over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let firm up for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 503.3 calories, Carbohydrate 50 g, Cholesterol 63.5 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 870.3 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.

Provided by Ashley

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package dry ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 large yellow onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook and stir until brown, about 10 minutes. Drain sausage and set aside.
  • Stir together the ricotta, egg, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the drained pasta, the drained sausage, salt, pepper, and 1/2 jar of the spaghetti sauce; mix well.
  • In the prepared baking dish, cover the bottom with 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Then layer the remaining 1/2 of the pasta, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with basil. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover; return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 649.4 calories, Carbohydrate 68.9 g, Cholesterol 85.5 mg, Fat 27.4 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 1485.1 mg, Sugar 14.9 g

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 WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES



Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes image

Offer this simple, hearty dish with a green salad, crusty garlic bread and a light red wine, like Beaujolais.

Provided by Carmela M. Meely

Categories     Pasta     Tomato     Bake     Mozzarella     Sausage     Spinach     Bon Appétit     California

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 pound hot Italian sausages, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 28-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup purchased pesto sauce
10 ounces ziti or penne pasta (about 3 cups), freshly cooked
8 cups ready-to-use spinach leaves (about 2/3 of 10-ounce package)
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic and sauté until sausage is cooked through, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto. Season sauce with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)
  • Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes.

SIMPLE SAUSAGE BAKED ZITI - ONLY 5 INGREDIENTS



Simple Sausage Baked Ziti - Only 5 Ingredients image

This makes a great dinner that is rich and creamy. I like to use jimmy dean's sausage but any brand will work. One of our favorite go to meals for dinner.

Provided by lilypad722

Categories     Pork

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (i use prego chunky)
1 (14 ounce) jar alfredo sauce (i use classico's 4 cheese alfredo)
1 lb sausage
10 ounces ziti pasta (can use more if you like)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
water, for boiling

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Boil water to cook 10 oz. or a little more than half of a large box of ziti and cook til al dente then drain.
  • Brown and crumble the sausage and then add spaghetti sauce to the sausage to warm up.
  • In a 4-5 quart casserole dish pour in cooked ziti and top with alfredo sauce stirring to mix well.
  • Pour sausage and spaghetti sauce on top of the alfredo, but do not stir it together.
  • Cover with shredded mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 604.1, Fat 33.2, SaturatedFat 12.8, Cholesterol 73.3, Sodium 1406.2, Carbohydrate 49.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 10.1, Protein 25.5

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the baked ziti will be. Use fresh spinach, Italian sausage, and high-quality cheese.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the baked ziti.
  • Use a large baking dish: A 9x13 inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe. A smaller dish will make the baked ziti too crowded, and a larger dish will make it too thin.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: Cheese is what makes baked ziti so delicious. Use a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake the baked ziti until it's golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that the baked ziti is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti with sausage meatballs and spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and sausage, and it's also a great dish to freeze for later. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give baked ziti with sausage meatballs and spinach a try. You won't be disappointed!

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