Three-Cheese Kielbasa Bake

  Dinner

My aunt originally made this hearty casserole for family gatherings. Now I enjoy fixing it for my family any night of the week. What a great way to sneak in some garden veggies.

Three-Cheese Kielbasa Bake

Average Rating: 4.590909

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 55 min. Bake: 30 min.
YIELD: 2 casseroles (8-10 servings each).

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 pounds kielbasa or Polish sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  • 1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown sausage in oil over medium heat; drain. Add the onions, zucchini, carrots and garlic; cook and stir until crisp-tender, 5-6 minutes.
  • 2. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Drain macaroni.
  • 3. In a small bowl, combine egg and ricotta cheese. In each of two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes, layer a fourth of each of the following: macaroni, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with green onions.
  • 4. Cool one casserole; cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 15 minutes longer.
  • 5.
    Freeze option:
    Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° until heated through, 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 359 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

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