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Southernized Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

How to make it

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper and celery. Cook until softened but not brown, add the garlic and cook another minute. Remove and set aside.
  • Remove the sausage from the casings and add to skillet, breaking up the meat to fine crumbles. Cook over medium to medium high heat until lightly browned; drain off excess fat. Return the sauteed vegetables to the skillet and using kitchen shears, roughly chop the whole tomatoes in the can. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes. Remove 2 cups of the sauce and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously salt. Cook the pasta just to al dente according to package directions; drain. Add the ziti to the remaining sauce and combine well. Taste, add salt and pepper, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • In a large oblong baking dish, add half of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle top with 1-1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of that. Dot top with 1 cup of the reserved tomato sauce mixture. Continue layers adding the remaining ziti mixture, top with another 1-1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella (reserving the remaining cup), sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of that. The casserole will be well to the top of your dish - press down a little on the top and then dot the top with the remaining cup of the reserved tomato sauce mixture.
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place the dish on a baking sheet as insurance for any spillover. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover, sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

People Who Like This Dish 4
Reviews & Comments 3

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  • twill10 12 years ago
    The Cajun Trinity consists of onion, bell pepper, and celery
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  • twill10 12 years ago
    The Cajun Trinity is used here and that is all I can figure why the Southern connection?
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  • elgourmand 12 years ago
    Sounds delish but Southernized? Maybe a wee bit south of Rome. Nice post. RJ
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag

The Cook

twill10 Cape Girardeau, MO

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