Baked Ziti with Sausage
A comforting and hearty baked pasta dish featuring ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauces
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 48 oz marinara sauce (2 jars) 24 oz each
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture.
Assembly and Baking
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve Baked Ziti hot from the oven. Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread. Sprinkle fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.