How to Make Baked Ziti

This Italian-American classic is a great, super-hearty main course for parents trying to feed hungry kids without much fuss. Serves six big appetites.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Big Pinch Of Cayenne Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Big Pinch White Pepper - Or More Depending On Taste
• Chef's Knives
• Baking Pans
• Cheese Graters
• Colanders
• Cutting Boards
• Mixing Bowls
• Skillets
• Stockpots
• Wooden Spoons
• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausages links
• 1/2 tsp. freshly chopped basil tsp. dried
• 1 lb. ziti pasta - cooked and drained
• 1 tsp. freshly chopped thyme leaves or ½ tsp. dried
• 2 cups good quality marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheeses
• 1/2 tsp. freshly chopped oregano leaves or 1/4 tsp. dried
• 1/3 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lg. eggs
• 12 oz. ricotta cheese
• 1/8 tsp. salt - or more depending on taste

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Beat the egg in a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta, optional cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
3. Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat, then add a little water, cover, and steam until almost done. Cut the sausages crosswise at an angle into thin slices.
4. Pour the grease from the sausage pan into a baking dish. Spread the ziti evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5. Top the ziti evenly with the ricotta mixture, sausage slices and then the Parmesan cheese. Pour the marinara sauce over the top and smooth the surface with the back of a large spoon.
6. Place in the oven for 40 minutes. Pull the dish from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
7. Bake for another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve right away.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your own sauce, see "How to Make Marinara Sauce" in Related eHows.