Easy Baked Ziti
Easy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food the whole family will love. Make ahead or freeze for later; perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 784kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked ziti
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 6 sweet peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 jar (26 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add Italian sausage and cook, stirring and breaking apart with the back of a spoon, until lightly browned and releases fat. With a slotted spoon, remove meat from pan and set aside. Discard grease except for about 1 tablespoon.
- Add onions, garlic, sweet peppers, and mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Add browned sausage back to the pot.
- Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until reduced.
- Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
- In a pot over medium heat, heat about 4 quarts water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add egg and gently stir without over mixing.
- Add the pasta and 3/4 of the meat sauce. Gently toss together.
- In a 9x13 baking or casserole dish, transfer pasta mixture and evenly spread.
- Spoon the remaining 1/4 of the meat mixture on top of pasta.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top of meat mixture.
- Bake in a 350 F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 784kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 1571mg | Potassium: 1248mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1875IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 4.8mg