adfree-recipe

We use cookies

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our cookie policy.

By clicking "Accept", you agree to our use of cookies.
Our cookie policy.

Baked Ziti Plus
Baked Ziti Plus
0 Likes
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
235 minutes
Total Time:
255 minutes
Cheesy baked ziti with sausage, peppers, onions, and gooey melted mozzarella - a cozy family favorite!
Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
  • 3 pounds Italian link sausage
  • 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 (16 ounce) packages rigatoni
  • 2 (16 ounce) packages mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (24 ounce) carton ricotta cheese
Instructions:
  • In a stockpot over medium-low heat, sauté garlic in olive oil until lightly browned, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef until cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes; then drain any excess grease. Combine garlic with the beef, then add crushed tomatoes and tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer covered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausage links until they are no longer pink in the center, for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and discard excess grease. Slice sausages into 1/4-inch rounds. Add sausages, green bell pepper, and onion to the simmering tomato sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper and onion are softened, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • 1. Boil a large pot of generously salted water. Cook rigatoni in the bubbling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, for 10 to 11 minutes. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
  • Dice most of the mozzarella into small cubes. Combine the cubed mozzarella with ricotta cheese in a bowl. Mix the cheese blend into the cooked rigatoni until the mozzarella cheese starts melting. Transfer the rigatoni-cheese mixture into 2 large casserole dishes and pour in the tomato-meat sauce. Thoroughly toss the ingredients together.
  • Slice the leftover mozzarella cheese and elegantly place it over the rigatoni mixture.
  • Cook until the mozzarella cheese is gooey and golden brown, approximately 45 minutes in the preheated oven.

Similar Recipes