The Best Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
507 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
The Best Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
This baked ziti begins with boiling dry ziti pasta until tender according to package directions. In a skillet, olive oil and chopped yellow onion are cooked until softened, then Italian sausage is browned and broken apart. Excess fat may be drained. Ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are stirred into the sausage and onion mixture, followed by the addition of pasta sauce, which is heated to simmer before removing from heat.
Drained pasta is mixed with the meat sauce to coat each piece evenly. This mixture is transferred to a generously greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading into an even layer. The dish is topped with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese before baking at 350°F until cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole delivers comfort through layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese.
High-sided pans are recommended to prevent bubbling over in the oven. Adjusting the amount of pasta mixture may be necessary if the pan differs in size. This dish works well for feeding families or gatherings, providing a satisfying main course with straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ziti dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 (24 oz.) pasta sauce jars
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a high-sided 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to its package directions.
- Place a large soup pot, or a large high-side skillet* over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 10-11 minutes, until the sausage is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off the excess fat if necessary.
- Add the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the ricotta is smooth.
- Add the pasta sauce to the meat. Stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water from the cooked pasta and return the pasta to the hot pot. Add the meat sauce to the cooked pasta. Stir until the pasta is completely coated in sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to the baking dish**. Spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch high-sided skillet to sauté sausage and onions effectively.
- If your baking dish lacks high sides, omit a portion of the pasta mixture to prevent overflow during baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 507 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/10th of the recipe | |
| Calories | 507kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 69mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1402mg | 58% |
| Potassium | 737mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 900IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 264mg | 26% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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