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hearty baked ziti recipe

Hearty Baked Ziti Recipe for Family Comfort

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 - 8
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 28 ounce jar pasta sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
  5. Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
  6. Pour in about 3/4 of the pasta sauce and mix until everything is coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the top and sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
  10. For freezing: cover with foil before baking. To serve, thaw completely, bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.