Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

local_grocery_store Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

restaurant_menu Method

1. 1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. 2.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
3. 3.In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until onion is tender.
4. 4.Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. 5.In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg and Parmesan cheese.
6. 6.Add cooked ziti to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. 7.Layer 1/2 of the ziti mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
8. 8.Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

lightbulb_outline Tips

• chevron_rightFeel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand - penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work.
• chevron_rightIf you like your pasta extra cheesy, add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the top before baking.
• chevron_rightThis recipe can easily be made ahead of time - just assemble the ziti and refrigerate until ready to bake.