ITALIAN ZITI BAKE AND TAKE

By JoyceW-2

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 8 ounces mild bulk Italian sausage or 2 to 3 sausage links, casings removed
• 1 small zucchini, finely chopped ( 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• dash crushed red pepper
• 1 (26 ouncd) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup basil
• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded Mozzarella cheese (3 cups)

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350pray 13x9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat large skillet over high heat until hot. Crumble ground beef and sausage into skillet; cook 5 minutes or until just beginning to brown, stirring frequently and breaking into small peices. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. With slotted spoon, place in medium bowl.

Cook zucchini, onion and carrot in same skillet over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes or until beginning to brown. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper; cook 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water and meat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Place in baking dish. Top with sauce; sprinkle with cheese. (Pasta can be made to this point 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minutes to baking time.)

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.