Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our blog for recipes and cooking! Today, we're excited to share a delicious Baked Ziti Casserole recipe with you. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for serving a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let's get started with the ingredients and steps to make this mouthwatering Baked Ziti Casserole.

Ingredients

For this Baked Ziti Casserole recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once it's browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish the casserole with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and indulging in this delicious Baked Ziti Casserole recipe. It's a wonderful dish that is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!