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Hearty Baked Ziti with Sausage: 1 Amazing Dish

Baked Ziti with Sausage
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A hearty and comforting baked ziti pasta dish with savory Italian sausage, perfect for family dinners. This recipe is designed for ease and delicious results, bringing warmth to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  • In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  • Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Fresh basil can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
  • To make ahead, assemble the ziti and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/baked-ziti-with-sausage/