Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 box ziti)
1-pound
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 2 jars marinara
24-ounce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 container whole milk ricotta cheese
15-ounce
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 package shredded mozzarella cheese
8-ounce
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2
In a large stock pot, heat about 2 quarts of water to boiling and stir in about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and stir occasionally. Cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or dutch oven. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the sausage and crumble and cook until just browned. Drain away the excess fat and return the meat and onion mixture to the heat. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the pasta being sure to coat it in the sauce.
- 4
Add about half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Stir the ricotta cheese in the container to make it smooth then drop dollops of it evenly onto the pasta. Sprinkle all the parmesan and about half of the mozzarella cheese over it.
- 5
Add the remaining pasta mixture in another layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Allow the ziti to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Cheesy Baked Ziti
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a satisfying, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table without breaking the bank or your schedule? This Cheesy Baked Ziti delivers on all fronts, transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a family favorite that tastes like it took all day to make.
What makes this baked ziti truly shine is its effortless combination of rich, savory flavors and an abundance of cheesy goodness. It's designed to be a quick and filling weeknight meal, proving that you don't need complex techniques to achieve deeply delicious results. The heart of this recipe lies in its balanced blend of hearty Italian sausage, robust marinara, and a trio of classic cheeses—creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and melty mozzarella—that bake into an irresistible, cohesive dish.
Prepare for a truly delightful experience with every forkful of this Cheesy Baked Ziti. You'll encounter tender ziti pasta, cooked to perfection, completely enveloped in a robust, well-seasoned marinara sauce. Throughout the dish, savory chunks of Italian sausage add a depth of flavor and satisfying texture. The magic truly happens with the generous layers of creamy whole milk ricotta, finely grated Parmesan, and gooey, stretching shredded mozzarella cheese, all baking together to form a golden, bubbly crust. This is pure comfort food – warm, incredibly flavorful, and deeply satisfying, designed to make your weeknight dinner special and incredibly easy.
This versatile Cheesy Baked Ziti is incredibly easy to adapt to your pantry and preferences. While classic ziti pasta is perfect, you can effortlessly swap in penne for equally delicious results if that's what you have on hand. For those looking for a different protein, you could substitute the bulk Italian sausage with ground beef or ground turkey. To make this a vegetarian feast, simply omit the sausage and perhaps add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a can of drained lentils for extra substance and texture. Don't be afraid to adjust the cheese types; adding a layer of thinly sliced provolone can introduce a delightful tang.
This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a quintessential dish for family dinners, casual gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion calling for ultimate comfort. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread to complete a truly memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the kind of hearty dish that satisfies deeply.