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Baked Three-Cheese Ziti: 1 Comforting Italian Dream

Baked Three-Cheese Ziti (Comforting Italian Casserole)
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A comforting and cheesy baked ziti casserole, perfect for family dinners and creating lasting memories. This recipe brings the warmth of Italian comfort food to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and the ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  • Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, you can use mild Italian sausage or ground beef.
  • If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni also work well.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/baked-three-cheese-ziti-italian-casserole/