A Comforting Classic for Any Occasion
Baked ziti is a soul-warming dish that brings everyone to the table. With its rich, meaty sauce, gooey layers of cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a meal prep win, this dish will never let you down. The addition of sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers takes this recipe up a notch, making it a flavorful and hearty meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 (24 oz) jar of Prego Traditional sauce (or your preferred pasta sauce)
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese Layers:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or more if you love it extra cheesy!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling pasta)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Drain any excess grease, then return the meat mixture to the pot.
- Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes, Prego Traditional sauce, and sugar. Stir well.
- Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes while you cook the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (since it will continue cooking in the oven).
- Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Begin layering in the baking dish
- Spread half of the pasta mixture at the bottom.
- Dollop a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the pasta.
- Sprinkle with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta and top it off with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Extra cheesy? Add another layer of mozzarella in between the pasta layers.
- Want a crispy top? Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly crust.
- Meatless version? Swap the beef and sausage for extra mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based ground meat.
About the Creator
This recipe is brought to you by @kayyvonneee. This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage & Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, ricotta, and gooey melted cheese make this an easy weeknight meal or perfect dish for family gatherings.
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