Description
This easy baked ziti recipe features a deliciously savory Italian sausage and tomato sauce layered with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this classic Italian-American pasta casserole is flavorful, hearty, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Garnish
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and sauté onion: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until it’s cooked through and crispy on the edges. While the sausage cooks, finely dice the yellow onion. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Make the tomato sauce: To the skillet with sausage and onion, add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup water. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the pasta.
- Cook the ziti pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (½ tablespoon salt) to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the ziti pasta and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente and tender. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
- Prepare the cheese filling and preheat oven: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until well combined. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Mix pasta with sauce: Return the drained ziti to the pot and add 1 cup of the prepared red sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the baked ziti: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the sauced pasta. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Spoon half of the remaining red sauce with sausage on top. Repeat the layering with the remainder of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sausage sauce. Finally, sprinkle the top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Broil for a golden finish: Remove the foil, turn the oven to broil, and broil the baked ziti for about 5 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the sausage to be sweet, mild, or hot based on your spice preference.
- If you prefer, substitute ziti pasta with penne or rigatoni.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Use fresh grated cheeses for better melt and flavor.
- To avoid sticking, tent foil loosely over the baking dish rather than sealing tightly.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cheese to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
