Best 15 Baked Ziti With Spinach Sausage And Mozzarella Recipes

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Baked ziti with spinach sausage and mozzarella is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. This casserole is made with ziti pasta, spinach, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. The pasta is cooked al dente and then baked in a creamy tomato sauce with the sausage, spinach, and cheese. The result is a cheesy, flavorful dish that will please everyone at the table.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

HERBY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM BAKED ZITI



Herby Spinach and Mushroom Baked Ziti image

Traditional baked ziti is gussied up with cremini mushrooms, baby spinach and lots of basil and parsley.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
One 15-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
4 large sprigs fresh basil plus 1 cup chopped fresh basil
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
6 cups baby spinach
1 pound dried ziti
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of tomatoes and 1 cup water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly, add the basil sprigs and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the basil sprigs and stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Cook the ziti in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl.
  • Add the tomato sauce, half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta stand about 10 minutes before serving.

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

For an Italian classic, try this Baked Ziti recipe from Food Network Kitchen. Tossed in a zesty tomato sauce and oozing with mozzarella, it couldn't be easier.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Olive oil, for greasing
1 pound ziti
Kosher salt
3 1/2 cups Quick Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet and/or spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and sausage crumbled
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes in puree, roughly chopped
Sprig thyme
Sprig basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and boil the pasta until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the quick tomato sauce, cubed mozzarella, half the Parmesan, all of the black pepper and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper. Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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.

BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH AND CHEESE



Baked Ziti With Spinach and Cheese image

This is great if you need to feed an army on the cheap! Serve with a salad and garlic bread, sure to be a pleaser!

Provided by Kristiina

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach
3 eggs, beaten
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
16 ounces ziti pasta, pasta-cooked
27 1/2 ounces pasta sauce
2 teaspoons oregano
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook spinach as package directs, drain, cool and squeeze out well.
  • Add eggs, ricotta cheese, parm. cheese, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  • Combine cooked ziti with sauce and oregano. Place 1/2 ziti miture in lightly greased 13X9 baking dish, layered with cheese and spinach mixture. Add remaining ziti.
  • Cover with tin foil and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minute or until bubbly.

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 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

NEELYS BAKED ZITI



Neelys Baked Ziti image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound ziti
1 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 ounces pesto
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 (9-ounce) package washed spinach
Butter, for baking dish
2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan, plus more for topping

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, saute turkey sausage. Add onion and garlic and saute until the sausage is cooked through. Use your spoon to break up the sausage while it cooks. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan and mozzarella to a large bowl, and stir to combine.
  • Butter a 4-quart baking dish, add the cooked pasta, then sausage mixture and cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes.

BAKED ZITI WITH TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti With Tomato, Mozzarella and Sausage image

I was horrified one night to discover I had misplaced this recipe, and had to go without. So, here it is for safekeeping. Recipe originally from Fine Cooking. Although it claims to serve four, it seems to make an incredible amount. I freeze half of what it makes before baking, to be enjoyed another evening.

Provided by skat5762

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, cut into small dice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lbs hot Italian sausage, removed from its casing and crumbled
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 (35 ounce) can plum tomatoes, chopped, with their juice
4 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh marjoram (from about 6 large sprigs) or 1/4 cup oregano (from about 6 large sprigs)
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated mild pecorino cheese
1 pinch nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 lb ziti pasta
1/2-1 lb mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh, cut into small cubes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lightly oil a large, shallow baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and crumbled sausage; saute until the sausage begins to brown.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • If the sausage renders a lot of fat, pour most of it off leaving a little to add flavor to the sauce.
  • Add the red wine; boil until it is almost gone.
  • Add the tomatoes with all of their juices and cook, uncovered, at a lively simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  • Add the marjoram or oregano and taste for seasoning.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together ricotta, about half the grated pecorino, the nutmeg, and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente.
  • Drain well and toss it with the ricotta mixture until well coated.
  • Add the sausage and sauce and mix again.
  • Add the mozzarella and toss gently.
  • Pour everything into the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Pecorino on top.
  • Bake uncovered until lightly browned and bubbling, about 20 minutes.
  • Serve right away.

PARMESAN SPINACH BAKED ZITI



Parmesan Spinach Baked Ziti image

Here's a great casserole for a cold winter's night-hearty with sausage and spinach and cheesy with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings, 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pkg. (16 oz.) ziti pasta, uncooked
1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 bag (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, crumble sausage into large skillet; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until evenly browned, using the back of a wooden spoon to break up sausage. Add tomatoes, spinach and dressing; cook 2 min. or until spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain pasta; return to saucepan. Add sausage mixture, cheeses and basil; stir to combine. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Fat 19 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Sodium 740 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, Protein 18 g

MOZZARELLA ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Mozzarella Ziti With Sausage image

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

Provided by weekend cooker

Categories     Summer

Time 40m

Yield 1 ziti dish, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb Italian sausage, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 medium onion, coursely chopped
1 green bell pepper, julienned
1 tablespoon oil
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can Italian stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon ketchup
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook sausage, onion, and bell pepper in oil over medium heat in a large skillet and drain.
  • Add diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and ketchup and mix well.
  • Cook ziti according to package directions and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine sausage tomato mixture, and toss with pasta and cheese.
  • Spoon into a greased 3 quart baking dish.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 664, Fat 28.6, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 57.9, Sodium 1233.4, Carbohydrate 71, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 9.2, Protein 30.2

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 :

SPEEDY BAKED ZITI



Speedy Baked Ziti image

This quick baked ziti is a weeknight winner dinner. Everything bakes in the same skillet that is used to make the quick sausage ragu, which translates to much less time and effort (and one fewer dish to clean).

Provided by Lauryn Tyrell

Categories     Pork Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups store-bought marinara sauce, such as Rao's
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces ziti or rigatoni
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups chopped mozzarella, divided
3/4 cup ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned in places and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in marinara sauce and 1 cup water. Season with salt and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook 12 ounces ziti or rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain. Add pasta, reserved pasta water, basil, and 3/4 cup chopped mozzarella to skillet; toss to combine. Season to taste.
  • In a bowl, whisk together ricotta and heavy cream; season. Spoon mixture evenly over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup chopped mozzarella and Parmigiano. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until ziti is browned and bubbly and edges begin to crisp, about 20 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

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

THREE-CHEESE BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage image

This version of baked ziti omits the usual ricotta cheese (or its substitutes) and adds Italian sausage, with very satisfying results!

Provided by Doug in Manhattan

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

nonstick cooking spray
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, diced
5 cups lower-sodium pasta sauce
⅓ cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon whole fennel seeds
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 4-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses in a bowl and place in the refrigerator.
  • 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 11 minutes. Drain.
  • At the same time, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break up into morsels. Sprinkle baking soda onto sausage, then add onion and garlic. Cook and stir, continuing to break up any clumps as it cooks, until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off and discard any grease.
  • Add pasta sauce, olives, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, anchovy paste, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add up to 3 tablespoons more oil if desired, and continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ziti.
  • Spread 1/2 of the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 of the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top. Spoon or ladle the rest of the ziti evenly on top without disturbing the layers underneath; it's okay to have some ziti partially exposed as they will brown handsomely and deliciously as they bake. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese mixture on top and sprinkle Parmesan across the surface.
  • Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 1144.9 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh spinach, sweet Italian sausage, and creamy mozzarella cheese are all essential.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (firm to the bite).
  • Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like a more spicy dish, add more red pepper flakes. If you want a more cheesy dish, add more mozzarella cheese.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
  • Serve baked ziti with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is perfect for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or a special occasion. With its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients, baked ziti is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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