Emeril's Eggplant Sausage and Ziti Casserole

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Emeril's Eggplant Sausage and Ziti Casserole, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe combines tender ziti pasta, sautéed eggplant, and savory Italian sausage in a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Layered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. Easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you're hosting guests or meal prepping for the week, this ziti casserole is a timeless comfort food classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Ziti pasta
• 1 large Eggplant
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds, then cut the rounds into quarters. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook until tender and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage (if necessary), crumble it into the skillet, and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, sautéed eggplant, and the sausage-tomato sauce. Mix until well combined.

Step 8

Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2662.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3977.5

Total Fat 207.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 482.8mg	0%
Sodium 8402.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 364.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.1g	0%
Total Sugars 70.9g
Protein 187.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2493.0mg	0%
Iron 28.7mg	0%
Potassium 4996.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.8%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 35.8%