Sausage Baked Ziti

Golden and crusty on top and gooey in the middle, Sausage Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that combines layers of pasta, savory sausage, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe takes traditional baked ziti to the next level. It’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sweet Italian sausage and fresh herbs creates a delicious sauce that elevates the flavor.
• Versatile: You can customize this dish by adding vegetables or switching up the cheese based on your preferences.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields enough servings to feed a family or guests at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for making Sausage Baked Ziti.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish (9 X 13 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large saucepan: Ideal for cooking the sausage and sauce evenly over medium heat.
• Baking dish: The perfect size for layering all the delicious ingredients while ensuring even baking.
• Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up the sausage and stirring without scratching your pans.

Ingredients

Golden and crusty on top and gooey in the middle, digging into this baked ziti reveals sumptuous layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian ground sausage
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes with purée
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 sprigs fresh basil leaves, roughly torn (plus more for garnish)

For the Pasta

• 16 ounces ziti pasta (or other tubular pasta)

For the Cheese Layer

• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sausage Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil your 9 X 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Add the sweet Italian ground sausage.
2. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no longer pink—about 10 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same saucepan:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Cook while stirring occasionally until soft and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Use your fingers to break up whole tomatoes into smaller chunks:
1. Add these tomatoes along with their purée to the onion mixture.
2. Stir in oregano, torn basil leaves, and reserved sausage.
3. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to medium-low.
4. Let it simmer until thickened—around 20 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Ziti Pasta

While your sauce simmers:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add ziti pasta, stirring occasionally until boiling resumes.
3. Cook for about two minutes less than package instructions; it should not be fully cooked as it will finish baking later.
4. Drain well but do not rinse.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Incorporate cooked ziti with ricotta cheese into your sauce:
1. Stir until well combined.
2. Spread half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top before adding another layer of pasta mixture followed by remaining cheeses.

Step 7: Bake

Place in your preheated oven:
1. Bake until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly—approximately 20-25 minutes.
2. Let stand for about five minutes before serving hot!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Sausage Baked Ziti!

How to Serve Sausage Baked Ziti

Sausage Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a family meal, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complements the richness of baked ziti.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing balance to the hearty pasta.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread – Toasted baguette slices topped with garlic butter provide a crispy side that’s perfect for scooping up delicious sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread – For an extra indulgence, sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy twist.

Serve with Wine

• Red Wine – A glass of Chianti or Merlot enhances the flavors of the sausage and tomato sauce beautifully.
• White Wine – A chilled Sauvignon Blanc can also work well if you prefer white wine options.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Leaves – Sprinkling fresh basil on top just before serving adds color and freshness.
• Parmesan Shavings – A few shavings of Parmesan cheese elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

How to Perfect Sausage Baked Ziti

To ensure your Sausage Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold seasoning – Make sure to season your sausage and sauce well. This enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
• Avoid overcooking pasta – Cook the ziti just shy of al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing flavors from the sauce.
• Layer thoughtfully – When layering pasta, cheese, and sauce, alternate them for an even distribution of flavors throughout.
• Use high-quality cheese – Choosing fresh mozzarella or provolone can significantly improve the taste and texture of your baked ziti.
• Let it rest – Allowing the baked ziti to stand for at least 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Baked Ziti

To round out your meal, consider pairing Sausage Baked Ziti with some delightful side dishes. These options complement its flavors and create a well-balanced dining experience.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan then roast until tender for a nutritious side.
2. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for a flavorful starter.
3. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with seasonal greens dressed in vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the rich main dish.
4. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction provides a fresh burst of flavor.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with seasoned rice or quinoa add color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Roasted Asparagus – Drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil, roasted asparagus brings brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Baked Ziti, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ziti too long before baking can lead to mushy pasta. Aim to cook it just under the package’s recommended time so it retains its texture during baking.
• Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season your sauce with salt and pepper can result in bland flavors. Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Not using enough cheese: Cheese is key in baked ziti. Ensure you use enough mozzarella and Parmesan for that gooey texture and rich flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ricotta or other cheeses can affect how well they blend with warm ingredients. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Forgetting to let it rest: Cutting into the baked ziti immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving for better presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Sausage Baked Ziti

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container.

Reheating Sausage Baked Ziti

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sausage Baked Ziti?

Sausage Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian dish made with ziti pasta, ground sausage, marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Sausage Baked Ziti, simply replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I prepare Sausage Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for fresh results.

What should I serve with Sausage Baked Ziti?

Sausage Baked Ziti pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Baked Ziti is not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows for customization with your favorite ingredients or cheeses. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, so give it a try and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sausage Baked Ziti

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Sausage Baked Ziti is an irresistible comfort food that brings together layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, flavorful sweet Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. This hearty dish is golden and crusty on top while remaining creamy and indulgent in the center. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it’s a straightforward recipe that guarantees to impress with its robust flavors and satisfying textures. Whether served at dinner parties or enjoyed as a weeknight meal, Sausage Baked Ziti is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your choice of vegetables or cheeses, making it adaptable to various tastes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound sweet Italian ground sausage
• 16 ounces ziti pasta
• 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly oil a 9 X 13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same saucepan, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste and whole tomatoes; add herbs and reserved sausage.
4. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes until thickened.
5. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by two minutes; drain.
6. Combine ricotta with ziti and mix with sauce; layer in the baking dish with mozzarella.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg