Baked Ziti with Sausage and Tomatoes

By soccercat

Baked ziti in a hearty meat sauce is a great dish for hungry family; use either pork or turkey sausage.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes with their juices
• 2 tbsp. chopped basil
• sale and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. ziti
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1. Fill a deep skillet with water and bring to a boil. Prick the sausages with a fork, add them to the pan, and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the casings turn pale. Drain the sausages and let cool. Remove the casings and break up the meat.

2. Return the skillet to the heat, add the sausage and oil, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes or until softened.

3. Stir in the tomatoes with their juices and the basil. Season with salt and pepper. allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, or until it has thickened, stirring occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes before the time indicated on the package. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

5. Stir most of the sausage and tome sauce into the ziti. Spread in a large casserole (or six (6) individual casserole dishes), then spoon the reserved sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella.

6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted and golden.