I was stuck in a cooking rut. I needed something new, a fresh twist on a classic, something to feed a crowd, something that I could add to my "Family Favorites" category in my recipe book. I wanted an Italian-type dish with a yummy sauce and full of flavor.
Then it popped into my head, baked Ziti! My family loves baked Ziti but I didn't want to make a regular cheesy one. I wanted to add a fun twist. I know Adrian likes pizza and JC likes Italian sausage and I figured they go together since one can order a sausage and pepperoni pizza, so BOOM, my new recipe was born: Sausage & Pepperoni Baked Ziti!!
While I was grocery shopping at Walmart, last week, I picked up the ingredients for my revamped Ziti.
I picked up my favorite jarred pasta sauce, Heinz Classico, in the Traditional flavor. Heinz Classico has a new look and comes in Traditional, Meat Sauce and Parmesan & Romano flavors.
I made this Baked Ziti last night. I made sure to take lots of pictures so you can follow step by step! Here's the recipe:
Sausage & Pepperoni Baked Ziti
Serves: 8Cook & Prep Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:1 box ziti1 lb Italian Sausage1 3.5oz package of sliced pepperoni2 tbsp extra virgen olive oil1 large yellow onion1 head garlic2 jars Heinz Classico family Favorites Sauce (your choice of flavor, I used Traditional)1 large egg1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend16 oz cottage cheese 16 oz ricotta cheese1 8oz package shredded Italian Cheese Blend
Directions:Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat a large pot of water over high heat to boiling.
In a large pan, add olive oil, onions and garlic over medium-high heat. Cook until onions are tender, about 2 minutes. Add sausage and brown. Meanwhile, dice 3/4 of pepperoni slices (reserve about 3 slices).
Once water is boiling, add salt and oil (as desired) and add pasta. (See those cute, chubby kid hands? Yep, Adrian helped out!!). Cook pasta al dente.
While pasta and meat mixture are cooking, add 1 jar of Heinz Classico sauce to bottom of 9 x 13 baking pan. When I make pastas, I like to use a nice, heavy, sturdy pan. This pan has been passed down two generations in my family already! Talk about a family favorite!
In a medium bowl, beat egg. Add ricotta cheese and Italian seasonings and mix well. Add these cheese mixture to your sauce. Then add all your cottage cheese. Mix cheese and sauce. Don't worry if the cheese clumps together, it will all even out at the end.
Add meat mixture into the pan. When I make baked ziti, I like to mix everything in the one pan. It's easier for me this way and there are less dirty dishes!
Drain pasta and add the hot pasta to the baking dish. The hot pasta will start melting the cheeses immediately.
Add the other jar of Heinz Classico sauce on top of the pasta. Now get in there with a spoon and start mixing everything together. Make sure every noodle is coated.
Once it's all mixed together, top with shredded cheese and sliced pepperoni.
Pop in the oven uncovered and cook for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand about 10 minutes before serving. It will be HOT!!!
My family was ecstatic. They scarfed down their first serving and all went back for seconds. I love serving a nice hearty meal to a group and watching them enjoy each other's company along with a yummy dish!
Adrian cleaned his plate. This was a miracle, as he rarely eats his dinner. "Mami, this was the best food you ever made!"
I'm super excited this recipe turned out well. I will definitely be making it more often!
Do you like Baked Ziti? Do you like it just cheese or do you add meat and veggies?