Ingredients
- 1 lb of beef sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan-style cheese (non-animal rennet, divided)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (made with microbial or plant-based rennet, divided)
Instructions
- Prep and sauté the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the beef sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, and the veggies are soft and fragrant.Tip: Stir often to prevent sticking, and don’t worry if some bits stick to the pan—they’ll add flavor to the sauce when deglazed.
- Make the sauce
Stir in the parsley, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. - Cook the pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta in salted water. Cook it just until “al dente,” since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and toss it with a ladle-full of sauce to keep it from sticking.Tip: Save a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Assemble the ziti
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of your casserole dish. Add half the cheese in dollops. Layer the pasta over it, followed by more sauce. Finish with the remaining cheese on top, making sure it’s evenly spread. - Bake it to perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, you can broil it for the last 2 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Notes
Baked ziti is best served straight out of the oven, with the cheese still bubbling. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad and a basket of warm garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fancier touch, serve individual portions in ramekins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch