Easy Baked Ziti
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Easy Baked Ziti
Description
Easy Baked Ziti features ziti pasta combined with a hearty sauce made of Italian sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, and marinara seasoned with Italian spices. The layering of half the pasta and meat sauce with provolone slices and sour cream adds creaminess, balanced by the remaining pasta and sauce, and topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. The casserole is baked covered with foil to retain moisture, then uncovered toward the end to brown the cheese. This results in a creamy, meaty baked pasta with a golden cheesy crust and layers of tender noodles and rich sauce.
The flavors balance mild sausage and tomato sauce with melted cheeses, giving a comforting texture that holds together well for serving. This dish lends itself well to family meals or casual dinners, offering richness and filling components in an approachable pasta bake format.
The recipe can be assembled ahead and frozen uncooked, making it convenient for planning. Thawing overnight in the fridge and adjusting bake times preserves texture and flavor. Serving with fresh basil adds a fresh herbal note that elevates the presentation and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti dry
- 1 onion diced finely
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 (26 ounce) marinara sauce I like Rao's, in jars
- 6 ounces provolone cheese sliced, 9 rounds
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8 minutes; drain.
- In a large skillet, brown onion and sausage (or beef ) over medium heat. Drain the fat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute or so. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasonings to the cooked sausage, and simmer 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2 meat sauce mixture, all of the Provolone cheese, all of the sour cream, remaining ziti, remaining sauce mixture and then mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spray aluminum foil with cooking spray so it doesn't stick to the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown. Top with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Assemble the casserole up to step 3 and freeze unbaked for up to one month by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap.
- To cook frozen casserole, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake covered with foil at 350°F for 30 minutes before uncovering for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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