A Hearty Italian-Inspired Casserole
Get Ready for a Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Imagine a dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs. This recipe brings together the comfort of baked ziti, the savory flavor of Italian sausage, and the creaminess of ricotta cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prep this recipe up to 2 days in advance through step 6. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
A Delicious Combination of Flavors
This casserole starts with al dente ziti pasta, cooked to perfection and tossed with a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, and herbs. The sauce is simmered for at least 20 minutes to develop a deep, intense flavor.
Spicy Italian Sausage Adds a Kick
For an extra boost of flavor, use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. The sausage is cooked in a large frying pan until golden brown and crispy, then added to the pasta mixture.
A Creamy Ricotta Mixture
Mix together ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. This creamy mixture is dolloped evenly over the pasta, adding a rich and velvety texture to the dish.
Assembly and Baking
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, followed by the ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Yield and Difficulty
This recipe yields 8-12 servings and is rated easy, with a total cooking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Active cooking time is 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried ziti pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausage, casings removed
- 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
Leave a Reply