Sausage-and-Pepper Baked Ziti

1. 1

   In a deep nonstick 12-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Reduce heat to medium.

3. 3

   Discard all but 2 Tbsp.

4. 4

   sausage fat.

5. 5

   Add garlic, pepper and onion to sausage in skillet; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in whole tomatoes, tomato puree and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon.

7. 7

   Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 2 minutes less than cooking time recommended on label.

9. 9

   Drain pasta and return to pot; stir in sausage mixture to coat.

10. 10

    Add mozzarella and toss to combine.

11. 11

    Transfer pasta mixture to an ungreased 9 x 13 baking dish and spread it out evenly; sprinkle with grated cheese.

12. 12

    Bake, uncovered, until top browns and sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.

13. 13

    Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.