Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

baked ziti - my way

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Ellen Gwaltney Bales
Indianapolis, IN

I borrowed a little bit here and a little bit there and came up with this yummy comfort food that's perfect for a frigid night. Photo source: http://southernfood.about.com

(2 ratings)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 35 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For baked ziti - my way

  • 2 Tbsp
    oil
  • 1 lb
    sweet italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 md
    green pepper, chopped
  • 1 md
    onion, chopped
  • 3 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1 can
    (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can
    (8 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 4 c
    ziti, cooked
  • 1/4 c
    fresh chopped basil or 1 t dried basil
  • 2 1/2 c
    shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 c
    shredded parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

How To Make baked ziti - my way

  • 1
    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti for 10 or 11 minutes. Rinse in cold water to prevent further cooking and set aside.
  • 2
    Cook the sausage in a large skillet in 1 Tbsp. of the oil over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
  • 3
    In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil and add the green pepper and onion, cooking until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • 4
    Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the onion, pepper, and garlic mixture and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • 5
    To the bowl of sausage, add the cooked ziti, basil, 2 cups of the mozzarella, and the tomato sauce mixture. Combine well and season with salt and pepper.
  • 6
    Turn mixture into a lightly oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and then the parmesan.
  • 7
    Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven, on the center rack, for 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
  • 8
    Serve with a good garlic bread and green salad. And hey, why not, a bottle of red wine! Buon appetito!
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