Here Comes Cousin Eddie

Every year during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I begin to think about all those families who will be traveling to see loved ones during the holiday season. From Turkey Day right up until Christmas, houses will fill up with holiday guests, and let's be honest, some might just camp out for the month between the two holidays! 

When I think of holiday house guests, thoughts of Cousin Eddie begin to conjure in my head. The infamous character from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation gives a whole new meaning to "make yourself at home." He shows up uninvited, with the family and the ugliest RV known to man in tow, and declares they will be staying until the New Year. 

Obviously, most holiday company doesn't act like Eddie, but having extra people in the house, no matter how many or for how long, means more mouths to feed; and not just for the big holiday meal. If you're hosting, you will likely need to plan meals for a few days.

In that spirit, I always try to post "normal" meal ideas, making that planning just a little bit easier. Things to feed that crowd once the leftovers run out but don't keep you busy in the kitchen missing out on the fun. 

This Easy Baked Ziti is a pasta casserole that will wow the pickiest of eaters, is filled with layers of flavor, but still super simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight meal, or for those who like to do pasta during the holidays too.

If you have holiday company coming, start planning now so you aren't scrambling when they want to know "what's for supper" every day, for their extended stay!

 

Easy Baked Ziti

1 lb. ziti

1 lb. Italian sausage

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (15 oz.) container whole milk ricotta cheese

1 egg

1/4 cup + 1 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

3 TBS chopped fresh parsley

1 (24 oz.) jar tomato basil pasta sauce

1 (4 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (14 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, with juice

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 cup water

2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 375. In a large skillet, brown sausage with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Add diced tomatoes, water, pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Stir well. Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. While sauce simmers, cook pasta to al dente and drain well. In a medium bowl combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 TBS parsley, salt and pepper. Stir well. 

To assemble: Lightly grease 9x13 baking dish. Add 1 cup sauce to bottom of dish and spread evenly. Top with half ziti. Top with all ricotta mixture and spread evenly. Top with half sauce. Sprinkle with 1 TBS Parmesan cheese. Add other half ziti, top with remaining sauce and mozzarella. Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck