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The Best Ever Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta

A rich, layered slice of baked ziti casserole with meat sauce and creamy ricotta cheese.
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You need this hearty, cheesy, and comforting Baked Ziti Recipe for your next family dinner. This classic Italian pasta bake is simple to assemble and delivers gooey cheese perfection in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer with the sausage mixture for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined. This creates your creamy cheese layer.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce mixture, and the ricotta mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the Cheesy Baked Ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.

Notes

  • For a make ahead pasta dish, assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage if you prefer a Ground Beef Ziti Recipe.
  • If you want a spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/best-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-ziti/