PREP TIME: 20 MINS | COOK TIME: 25 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 45 MINS | SERVINGS: 8
Enjoy layers of zesty meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and tender Ziti noodles in this amazingly easy baked Ziti. Incredibly easy to whip up and ready in less than an hour. It’s a great weeknight meal that everyone will love! Packed this into individual freezer bags and freeze for an easy and quick meal.
INGREDIENTS :
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 28 oz. pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- ½ c. water
- 16 oz. Ziti
- ¼ c. Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 14 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
DIRECTIONS :
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375 degrees F.
Step 2: Cook the ground sausage and onion while breaking the meat into small pieces until browned and the onion has softened. Drain the excess grease when done. Next, add the Italian seasoning along with water, tomatoes, and pasta sauce. Let everything simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
Step 3: Cook, the Ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the Ziti when done and rinse.
Step 4: Place the ricotta, egg, parsley, 1 c mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Mix well.
Step 5: To the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan, add a thin (around a cup) layer of the sauce. Top with half of the Ziti, followed by a layer of ricotta and half of the sauce.
Step 6: Over the last layer, add the rest of the Ziti, sauce, and cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
NOTES:
To Freeze the Baked Ziti:
- If planning to freeze the whole casserole in one piece, ensure to line the dish with aluminium foil before you assemble the casserole. Bake as directed and let the casserole cool completely. You can chill it in the fridge and freeze it in the pan. Then, take the casserole off the pan and wrap it in aluminium foil and plastic wrap. Label and store in the fridge.
- Alternately, you can portion the casserole into smaller pieces and place them in freezer bags. Label the bag and store it in the freezer.
NUTRITION FACTS:
Calories: 598, Carbohydrates: 54g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 1257mg, Potassium: 816mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 1005IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 485mg, Iron: 3.6mg
