Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage – Easy & Flavorful Comfort Food

When it comes to classic Italian-American comfort food, Baked Ziti with Sausage stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This dish combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful – The Italian sausage infuses the sauce with deep, savory flavors.
2. Creamy and Cheesy – Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make every bite indulgent.
3. Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
4. Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
5. Customizable – Use mild or spicy sausage, or swap it for ground beef or turkey.

Ingredients for the Best Baked Ziti with Sausage

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup water

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baked Ziti

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

4. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart.
5. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, and water.
7. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

8. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried basil until well combined.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
11. Spread ½ cup meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
12. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, then half of the remaining meat sauce.
13. Repeat layers and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake and Serve

14. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
16. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Baked Ziti

• Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh garlic, high-quality cheese, and good canned tomatoes elevate the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cooking to al dente prevents mushy pasta after baking.
• Add More Flavor – A splash of red wine in the sauce enhances its depth.
• Make It Spicier – Use hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
• Let It Rest – This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

FAQs About Baked Ziti with Sausage

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

3. What can I use instead of sausage?

You can substitute ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.

5. Why is my baked ziti dry?

Make sure to use enough sauce and cover the dish while baking to retain moisture.

6. Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?

Yes! Any tubular pasta works well in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti with Sausage is the perfect blend of comforting flavors, creamy textures, and rich sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that will please your family and guests alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or freezing it for later, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients and make this cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delicious baked ziti today!

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