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Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti
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Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
55 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food - Baked ziti with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and oozing cheese. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ziti (can sub penne) pasta
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage or ground beef or pork
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or basil), minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large jar of marinara sauce (about 32 ounces) or make your own tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound of mozzarella cheese, grated or shredded
  • 1 heaping cup of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the pasta and cook uncovered until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and toss it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking while preparing the sauce.
  • Brown the meat in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. For sausage, break up any large chunks as it cooks without stirring too frequently to achieve a well-browned result. If using ground beef or pork, sprinkle with a little salt.
  • Once the meat is mostly browned, incorporate the onions and sauté until translucent and slightly browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Integrate the garlic, rosemary or basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for an additional minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Taste the sauce and if necessary, season with salt and pepper.
  • Prepare the casserole: Start by coating the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole pan with a light layer of sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese on top. Mix cooked pasta with a spoonful of sauce, then transfer it to the casserole dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, evenly distribute the remaining ricotta cheese, and sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake uncovered at 350°F until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving. Feel free to share your feedback by leaving a comment and rating below!

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