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Classic Baked Ziti with Sausage

A close-up of a generous slice of baked ziti, featuring tubes of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
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A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and savory sausage. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, about half of the marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to coat.
  7. Spread about half of the ziti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti.
  9. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta mixture.
  10. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  11. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  12. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
  13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk to the ricotta mixture.
  • If you prefer less spice, use mild Italian sausage.
  • To prevent the baked ziti from drying out when reheating, cover it tightly with foil and add a tablespoon or two of water or broth before warming in the oven.
  • You can make this dish ahead of time. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/baked-ziti-recipe/