Zucchini Baked "Ziti" (NO PASTA!)

By linda1949

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 lb. ground sausage
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 2 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4" coins
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced basil
• 3/4 cup fresh ricotta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1\4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Details

Servings 3
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 65mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring often until onion Is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one minute. Add meat and season with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, 6 minutes. Drain fat.

Return saucepan over medium heat and add tomato paste and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes more, until slightly darkened. Add crushed tomatoes and bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and flavors have melded, 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in zucchini and basil and season again with salt and pepper.

In large baking dish, place half the zucchini in an even layer. Dollop all over with half the ricotta and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add rest of zucchini in an even layer on top and top with remaining cheeses.

Bake until cheese is melty and zucchini is tender, 25 minutes. Garnish with basil before serving.