Baked Ziti Casserole

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : 
  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  16      ounces        ziti pasta
   1      pound         Italian sausage links
   2      medium        carrots -- cut into 1/2" slices
   2      medium        celery stalks -- cut into 1/2" slices
   1      medium        onion -- chopped
   1 1/2  cups          milk
   2      tablespoons   flour
  28      ounces        tomatoes, canned -- crushed
   1      teaspoon      sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      dried basil
     1/4  teaspoon      pepper
  16      ounces        mozzarella cheese -- shredded
                        celery leaves -- for garnish

In saucepot, prepare ziti macaroni as label directs for minimum cooking 
time and do not use salt in water.  Drain ziti and return to saucepot.
Meanwhile, remove casings from Italian-sausage links.  In 12-inch skillet 
over medium-high heat, cook sausage meat until well browned, stirring 
occasionally to break up sausage.  With slotted spoon, remove sausage meat 
to bowl.
Preheat oven to 375 F;.  In drippings remaining in skillet, over 
medium-high heat, cook carrots, celery, and onion, stirring occasionally, 
until vegetables are golden and almost tender.  In 2-cup measure or medium 
bowl, with fork, mix milk and flour until smooth; stir into vegetable 
mixture in skillet.  Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, and pepper; 
over high heat, heat to boiling.  Reserve 1 cup shredded mozzarella for 
topping.  Into cooked ziti in saucepot, stir vegetable mixture, sausage, 
and remaining mozzarella cheese.  Spoon mixture into deep 3-quart 
casserole; sprinkle with reserved mozzarella cheese.  Bake casserole, 
covered, 15 to 20 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is hot and 
bubbly.  Garnish with celery leaves.  Makes 8 main-dish servings.


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