This has been in my family for years and we can’t get enough!
The smell of these bubbling away in the oven always brings everyone running to the kitchen. It’s pure comfort food that tastes like home, and honestly, it disappears almost as fast as I make it!
**Cheesy Baked Ziti**
**Ingredients**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. To assemble, in a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir gently to coat everything.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: For an extra rich flavor, use a good quality San Marzano crushed tomato.
Who would you want to share this cheesy, bubbly goodness with?