The Definitive Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound Hot Italian Sausage
• 3/4 pound Sweet Italian Sausage
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1, diced Large Yellow Onion
• 4 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• 2 (24-ounce) jars Prepared Marinara Sauce
• 2 cups Water
• 1 pound Ziti Pasta
• 1 (15-ounce) container Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/2 cup, divided Grated Parmesan Cheese
• to taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• 1 pound, grated and divided Whole-Milk, Low-Moisture Mozzarella

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the hot and sweet sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. 2

   Add the olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried herbs, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the marinara sauce and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 1 hour to meld the flavors.

4. 4

   While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until it is 2-3 minutes shy of the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta well.

5. 5

   Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

6. 6

   In a very large bowl, combine the undercooked ziti, the ricotta mixture, about two-thirds of the meat sauce, and half of the grated mozzarella. Stir until everything is well-combined.

7. 7

   Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Top with the rest of the sauce, followed by the remaining half of the mozzarella and the final 1/4 cup of Parmesan.

8. 8

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly.

9. 9

   Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the casserole to set.