Baked Ziti with Sausage

This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 649 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (Optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (16 ounce) package dry ziti pasta
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 large yellow onion, minced
• 1 ½ (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Step 3

While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook and stir until brown, about 10 minutes. Drain sausage and set aside.

Step 4

Stir together the ricotta, egg, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the drained pasta, the drained sausage, salt, pepper, and 1/2 jar of the spaghetti sauce; mix well.

Step 5

In the prepared baking dish, cover the bottom with 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Then layer the remaining 1/2 of the pasta, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with basil. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover; return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 more minutes.