Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
A comforting and flavorful baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage Mild or spicy, removed from casings
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 24 oz Tomato sauce Jarred or homemade
- 1 Egg Large
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- To taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Layer half of the ziti, half of the sausage, and half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining ziti, sausage, and ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.