Lasagna Style Baked Ziti

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Slice open the Italian sausages and remove them from the casings.

Fry the sausage meat in a hot pan with a splash of olive oil until cooked through and edges are crisped.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate container.

Chop the white onion and mince the garlic.

Lightly cook the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan until tender.

Add canned tomatoes to the pan and cook down on medium heat for a few minutes.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar.

Continue cooking until the sauce is reduced by about half and check for seasoning.

Cook the riatoni pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente.

Strain the pasta and transfer it to the tomato sauce, folding in some Parmesan cheese.

Layer the pasta in a baking tray, then top with crispy Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and dollops of fresh ricotta.

Repeat the layering process one or two more times depending on desired layers.

Top with a sprinkling of dried oregano.

Bake in an oven set to 375° F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until melted through and hot in the middle.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens