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Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage: Classic Comfort Food Recipe
cicii_me
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Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage: Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Author:
cicii_me
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Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage: Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Indulge in this classic Italian baked ziti recipe featuring savory Italian sausage, rich crushed tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy-to-follow recipe brings authentic Italian flavors right to your kitchen. Enjoy layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheesy goodness in every bite!
#Italian
#Baked Ziti
#Pasta
#Comfort Food
#Sausage
#Dinner
#Family Meal
#Easy Recipe
#Cheese
Golden Baked Ziti Fresh from the Oven
Golden Baked Ziti Fresh from the Oven

Recipe Information

25m
Prep Time
1h
Cook Time
1h 25m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Italian
English
Nutrition (per serving)
700
Calories
45g
Protein
60g
Carbs
35g
Fat
Delicious Layers of Cheese and Pasta
Delicious Layers of Cheese and Pasta

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil

    1 tbsp
  • Chopped Yellow Onion

    1 cup
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  • Italian Sausage

    1 pound
  • Minced Garlic

    3 cloves
  • Crushed Tomatoes

    1 28 oz can
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes

    1 14.5 oz can
  • Tomato Paste

    3 tablespoon
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  • Fresh Basil
    (Chopped, for sauce)

    1 cup
  • Fresh Basil
    (Chopped, for ricotta mixture or garnish)

    4 tablespoon
  • Ricotta Cheese

    1 16 oz container
  • Large Egg

    1 large
  • Salt
    (To taste)

    To taste
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  • Black Pepper
    (To taste)

    To taste
  • Fresh Shredded Mozzarella
    (Divided for layers and topping)

    3 cup
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese
    (Divided for sauce and topping)

    3 cup
  • Ziti Pasta

    1 box
Servings: 8
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Perfectly Baked Ziti Serving
Perfectly Baked Ziti Serving

Instructions

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  • 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    15m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    15m

    Don't overcook the pasta, it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • 2

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    15m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    15m

    Browning the sausage well adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
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  • 3

    Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/3 cup fresh basil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    25m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/3 cup fresh basil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    25m

    Allowing the sauce to simmer longer develops richer flavors.
  • 4

    In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, large egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 4 tablespoons of fresh basil. Mix until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, large egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 4 tablespoons of fresh basil. Mix until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    5m

    Adding an egg to the ricotta helps bind it and prevent it from becoming watery during baking.
  • 5

    Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture (dollop spoonfuls), then another layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Repeat layers once more. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    35m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture (dollop spoonfuls), then another layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Repeat layers once more. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
    35m

    For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
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💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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