Baked Ziti
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4.5
12 reviews
Excellent
Baked Ziti
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Easy, delicious Baked Ziti Casserole has layers of ziti noodles, meat sauce, cheese and is baked to perfection for an easy dinner!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti noodles can sub penne noodles
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 32 ounces marinara sauce store bought or homemade
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- chopped fresh parsley garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook ziti noodles according to directions on the box until the pasta is al dente. You will also be baking this so do not cook past al dente. When it is done cooking, drain, return to the pan and set aside. You can toss with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. When the oil is simmering hot, add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s brown and crispy. Add the onion to the skillet when the sausage is almost cooked through. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then add the marinara sauce and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta and Italian cheese blend.
- Add 1 cup of red sauce into the prepared ziti pasta, stir to combine.
- Pour half of the ziti into a greased 9x13’’ baking dish (the deeper the better). Add half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the ziti in small dollops. Then spoon half of the red sauce over the ricotta. Repeat these layers: pasta, ricotta mixture and sauce. Top generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. Tent the foil so it’s not touching the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After baking time is done, remove foil from the dish. Turn the oven to broil and return the casserole to the oven for 3-5 minutes or just until the cheese is lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, top with chopped parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
- I like to use a deep 9×13″ baking dish for this recipe. This is a big pasta casserole and needs plenty of room!
- You can assemble it early in the day, refrigerate it, and then bake it when it’s time for dinner. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
- You can also freeze this casserole. It will keep well for up to a month in the freezer, just make sure it’s wrapped well. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
823kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
55g
(18%)
Protein
44g
(88%)
Fat
48g
(74%)
Saturated Fat
20g
(100%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
Cholesterol
123mg
(41%)
Sodium
1630mg
(68%)
Potassium
779mg
(22%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
1138IU
(23%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
520mg
(52%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 823 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 823kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 123mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 1630mg | 68% |
| Potassium | 779mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1138IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 520mg | 52% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
12 reviews
Excellent
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