Zeeks Sausage
A hearty Italian sausage baked pasta layered with rich tomato sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break up Italian sausage and brown it in a skillet.
- Add chopped parsley, chopped onions, and chopped garlic to the sausage and sauté until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, whole canned tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens, adding water if needed.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with eggs, a little parsley, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and grated cheese.
- Cook the wide noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Layer in a baking dish starting with a layer of sauce, then noodles, then cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers and end with a cheese mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering. If you want a healthier twist, swap half of the sausage for lean ground turkey. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. To save time, prepare the sauce a day in advance to let the flavors meld. This recipe also works well with wide egg noodles or lasagna sheets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Zeeks Sausage with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A light Italian vinaigrette on the salad pairs beautifully with the hearty flavors. Consider complementing the meal with a glass of red wine or a light beer. For a twist, try serving it alongside Italian Stuffed Green Peppers for a complete Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, but the oven method will keep the layers intact and the cheese melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zeeks Sausage contains roughly 495 calories, with 35g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (182% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and noodles a day in advance. Layer the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese, blended until smooth. Both will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, use tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them frequently while cooking and rinse them briefly under cold water after draining. Tossing them with a little olive oil can also help keep them separated until you're ready to layer them in the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).