Print

Classic Baked Ziti

A serving spoon lifts a portion of cheesy baked ziti, with long strands of melted mozzarella cheese stretching.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A comforting and cheesy baked ziti casserole, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This easy Italian-American dish layers ziti pasta with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess fat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with half of the tomato sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  7. Top with the remaining sauced pasta. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage.
  • You can add a layer of cooked ground beef along with the sausage for a heartier dish.
  • This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/baked-ziti-recipe-easy-comfort-food/