Baked Ziti (2
- 8x8 casseroles)
1lb cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3oz + 1-1/2C Parmesan cheese
1/2C onion, chopped
28oz tomato sauce
1lb ziti
8oz mozzarella
20oz italian sausage
5 garlic cloves, pressed
1T olive oil
15oz diced tomatoes
1/2C + 2T basil
1C whole milk
1tsp oregano
1tsp sugar
3/4tsp cornstarch
salt & pepper
Whisk cottage cheese, eggs, & 1C Parmesan together in a medium bowl; set
aside. Bring a large pot of water to boil, cook pasta until it begins to soften
but is not yet cooked through, 5-7m. Drain the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meat until nearly browned.
Add in the onion and garlic and continue to cook until the onion is softened
and meat is completely browned. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and oregano;
simmer until thickened, about 10m. Off the heat, stir in 1/2C basil and the
sugar, and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl stir together the cornstarch and milk. Transfer the mixture to
the now-empty stockpot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until
thickened, 3-4 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add the cottage cheese
mixture, 1-1/2C of the tomato sauce and 3/4C mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add
the pasta and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.
Split the pasta into 2 foil-lined 8x8 baking dishes and spread the remaining
tomato sauce evenly over the tops. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the
tops.