Cooking Lucid
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
A comforting and crowd-pleasing baked ziti casserole loaded with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This hearty pasta dish is perfect for a family dinner and is easily prepped ahead.
Prep 20 min
Cook 30 min
Total 50 min
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 2 — For the Ziti
- 1 lb ziti pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- 1
Cook Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 2
Simmer the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- 3
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 4
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to combine. Spread half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition per serving: 550 cal · 30g protein · 50g carbs · 25g fat
