Delicious Baked Ziti Casserole with a Cheesy and Rich Tomato Sauce

Indulge in a comforting and hearty dish with Carol's Baked Ziti Casserole. This classic Italian-American recipe features al dente ziti pasta smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce.
8. Sprinkle half of the cooked Italian sausage over the ziti, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
10. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover all the pasta.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
14. Enjoy Carol's Baked Ziti Casserole with your favorite sides or on its own!

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