Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Baked ziti is a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine, renowned for its comforting qualities and hearty flavors. This dish has won the hearts of many, serving as the ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. With its rich layers of pasta, savory sauces, and an irresistible blend of cheeses, baked ziti embodies the essence of home-cooked warmth. Whether it's a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or a meal prep for a busy week ahead, baked ziti stands out as a versatile option that caters to various occasions.

Dive into the comforting world of Cheesy Bliss Baked Ziti, a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe layers ziti pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and a delightful mix of creamy cheeses, creating a satisfying meal that warms the heart. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this delicious baked ziti is sure to become a favorite. Discover how to make this comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table.

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and Italian sausage, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until well blended. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, stirring to combine. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture in an even layer. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, then add half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, finishing with the cheeses on top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings