A hearty and flavorful baked ziti dish featuring savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfect bake.
Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until softened.
Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still vibrant in color.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain well.
Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and tomato mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!
Letting it rest allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.