Dinner Ideas: Creamy Baked Ziti & Italian Sausage

Recipe Video

@meetthewilders Everyone BETTER like this meal! There’s nothing in it that no one would NOT like #dinnerideas #platedinner #dinnerrecipe Ingredients: 1 lb Ziti pasta ½ lb ground beef ½ lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed 1 small onion, finely chopped 3–4 garlic cloves, minced 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce 1 cup crushed tomatoes ½ cup heavy cream 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp dried or fresh basil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup ricotta cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried), for garnish Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside. Cook the meat and veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Make the sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Mix the pasta and ricotta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese until well combined. Assemble: Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the pasta/ricotta mixture. Spoon more sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat layers: remaining pasta, sauce, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Let sit for 5 minutes before scooping. ♬ original sound – Wilder Family – Wilder Family