THREE-CHEESE KIELBASA BAKE

Three-Cheese Kielbasa Bake image

My aunt originally made this hearty casserole for family gatherings, and now I enjoy fixing it for my family any night of the week. What a perfect way to sneak in some garden veggies. -Kate Beckman, Hemet, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 2 casseroles (10 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

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 shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, chopped

Steps:

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. , Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Drain macaroni., In a small bowl, combine egg and ricotta cheese. In each of 2 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. , Cool 1 casserole; cover and freeze it 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. , 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 : Calories 359 calories, Fat 22g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 867mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.