Baked Ziti with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese is a rich and flavorful main dish, perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner. The combination of al dente pasta, hearty sauce, boiled eggs, and melted cheeses makes this recipe irresistible. Easy to prepare, it presents well and has a flavor that wins everyone over, this dish will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
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- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 8 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 14 oz ziti (or other dry pasta, like rigatoni)
- 4 sausages (17.6 oz)
- 3 eggs (boiled)
- 2 mozzarella
- 3.5 oz scamorza
- 1.75 oz Parmesan
- 1 oz onion
- 1 carrot
- 1.7 cups tomato sauce
- as needed olive oil (for sautéing)
- as needed butter (for greasing the pan)
- as needed breadcrumbs (for the surface of the pan)
Tools
- 1 Baking Dish round 10.24 inches diameter
Steps for Baked Ziti with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese
To make your baked ziti with sausage, eggs, and cheese, the first step is preparing the sausage sauce by removing the casing, slicing it with a knife. In a large pan, sauté the onion and carrot with olive oil over medium heat. At this point, add the crumbled sausage, stirring frequently to brown it evenly. Once the meat is ready, pour in the tomato sauce, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper, mixing well. Lower the heat and let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add some hot water to prevent the sauce from drying out too much. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, you can add a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Once ready, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside, ready to be mixed with the pasta.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the water boils, add the ziti broken in half by hand and cook them al dente. Once cooked, drain them well, leaving them a little firmer than traditional cooking, because they will continue cooking in the oven. In the meantime, in another pot, place the eggs and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the eggs for about 10 minutes, until hard-boiled. Once cooked, drain them and place them under cold water to stop cooking. When completely cold, peel them and cut them into 8 pieces. Now that the eggs are ready and the pasta is cooked, you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Preheat the oven to 392°F (static) or 356°F (fan). Begin preparing the baking dish. Rub a knob of butter on the bottom and sides, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Pour the ziti into the sauce, mix, and add diced mozzarella, Parmesan, and hard-boiled eggs. Mix everything and form a layer, distributing the pasta well. Add sliced scamorza, layer another set of ziti, and finish with the other cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan for a golden crust. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, until the surface is golden and the mozzarella has melted perfectly. Once ready, remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. The baked ziti with sausage, eggs, and cheeses are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot, possibly garnished with some fresh basil for a touch of freshness and color.
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Storage
The baked ziti with sausage, eggs, and mozzarella can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It’s advisable to cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Variations
Vegetarian version: You can replace the sausage with crumbled tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. For a richer flavor, you can add grilled vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers.
Vegetarian version: You can replace the sausage with crumbled tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. For a richer flavor, you can add grilled vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers.
Spicy sausage: If you prefer a spicy touch, choose a spicy sausage or add a bit of fresh chili or chili powder to the sauce.
Spicy sausage: If you prefer a spicy touch, choose a spicy sausage or add a bit of fresh chili or chili powder to the sauce.
Baked pasta with white sauce: If you don’t want a tomato sauce, you can make a version with a white sauce. Prepare a béchamel and mix it with the sausage, or use fresh cream and grated cheese for a creamier result.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?
Yes, you can prepare baked ziti in advance. Once assembled, you can cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in a preheated oven and cook as specified in the recipe, adding a few minutes of cooking time if the dish is cold.
Can I substitute the sausage with another type of meat?
Sure! You can replace the sausage with ground beef, pork, or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled tofu or seitan. Make sure to cook the meat well to achieve a flavorful sauce.
Can I use a different pasta from ziti?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or tortiglioni. The important thing is that the pasta can hold the sauce well and remains al dente during baking.