Mama’s Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is one of those cozy, no-fail meals that brings everyone running to the table. It’s been a longtime favorite in our house - especially with my kids, because it’s comforting, cheesy, and exactly what you want bubbling away in the oven on a cold winter’s day. I love serving it with warm breadsticks and a crisp Caesar salad to round out the meal. This recipe makes several hearty portions, which makes it perfect for Christmas dinner, Sunday gatherings, or any extended family meal where you want something familiar, filling, kid-friendly, and made with love.

Ingredients:

-2lbs ground Italian sausage

-2 jars (48oz) pasta sauce

-16 oz rigatoni or ziti noodles

-22 oz cottage cheese

-15 oz ricotta cheese

-8 oz mozzarella cheese

-8 oz parmesan cheese fine cut

-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

-3 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Prepare the noodles (boil and strain) and return to pan with no heat.

3. Brown the Italian sausage and drain any grease. Mix two jars of pasta sauce with sausage and heat to boiling.

4. Mix the meat sauce with the noodles

5. In a mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning.

6. Grease a large casserole dish (or two 9x13 pans)

7. Layer 1/2 noodle mixture in the pan.

8. Layer 1/2 cheese mixture in the pan.

9. Layer 1/2 shredded cheeses (mozzarella and parmesan) in the pan.

10. Continue second layer of noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded cheeses.

11. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning on top

12. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until cheese has turned golden brown

13. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.