Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing (approx. 450g)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (425g)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 340g), divided

Instructions:

  1. Sauté sausage in olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Return the cooked sausage to the sauce. Simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti pasta with the tomato sauce and sausage mixture. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and stir to combine.
  7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape.