Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked ziti with sausage is a beloved comfort food that has become a staple in American households. It’s a dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, hearty pasta, and a creamy blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty and delicious, baked ziti with sausage is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to make this classic dish, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your meal to the next level.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make baked ziti with sausage from start to finish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Sauce

• Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Onion and Garlic: Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the sausage and aromatics. Add salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

• Mix Ricotta and Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with two beaten eggs. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and basil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. The eggs help to bind the cheese mixture, giving it a creamy, cohesive texture when baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of the sausage-tomato sauce on the bottom. This prevents the pasta from sticking. Next, add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Spread the ricotta evenly over the pasta. Top with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sausage sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.
• Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture during baking and prevents the cheese from burning.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

• Bake: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
• Rest Before Serving: Once baked, allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

1. Use Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in the final dish. Choose good-quality sausage, cheese, and tomato sauce to ensure the best flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Remember to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooking will result in mushy pasta once it’s baked.

3. Customize the Cheese Layer

Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to suit your taste. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan works well for a rich, cheesy top layer.

4. Let It Rest

Allowing the baked ziti to rest before serving gives the cheese time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top of the baked ziti just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti with sausage is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the baked ziti.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious side.
• Antipasto Platter: Start your meal with an antipasto platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.

Variations and Customizations

1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini are great options. You can also add a layer of roasted eggplant for a meaty texture without the meat.

2. Baked Ziti with Meatballs

For a twist on the classic, replace the sausage with homemade or store-bought meatballs. Slice the meatballs in half and layer them between the pasta and cheese.

3. Spicy Baked Ziti

If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some chopped pickled jalapeños or pepperoncini on top before baking.

4. White Baked Ziti

For a creamy, cheese-centric version, skip the tomato sauce and use a béchamel sauce or alfredo sauce instead. Layer the pasta with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, then top with more sauce and bake until golden and bubbly.

5. Gluten-Free Baked Ziti

To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the sausage and tomato sauce, are also gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti

1. Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and soggy pasta.

2. Freezing Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is also a great make-ahead dish that freezes well. To freeze, assemble the ziti as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the ziti in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

3. Reheating Tips

To reheat leftover baked ziti, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For smaller portions, you can microwave on medium power until warm, though the oven method will yield better results in terms of texture.

Conclusion

Baked ziti with sausage is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. With its layers of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that delivers big on taste and satisfaction. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread and a green salad, and you have a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Enjoy!

Yield: 8

Baked Ziti with Sausage

Print

Baked ziti with sausage is a beloved comfort food that has become a staple in American households. It's a dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, hearty pasta, and a creamy blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you're craving something hearty and delicious, baked ziti with sausage is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we'll explore the step-by-step process to make this classic dish, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your meal to the next level.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne pasta) (453.592 grams)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed) (453.592 grams)
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 24 ounces spaghetti sauce (709.765 ml)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce (236.588 ml)
• 15 ounces full fat ricotta cheese (425.243 grams)
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella shredded (453.592 grams)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

• Boil water to cook your ziti. Once at a roaring boil, pour in the dry pasta and add a teaspoon of kosher salt. No need to measure the salt, just eyeball it. Set the time for 2 minutes less than the instructions on the package say.

  1 pound ziti pasta

• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up. Once browned, add in the onion, garlic, and seasonings and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  1 pound Italian sausage,1 medium yellow onion,2 cloves garlic,2 teaspoons dried parsley,2 teaspoons dried basil,2 teaspoons dried oregano,1 teaspoon kosher salt,1/2 teaspoon onion powder,1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes,1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Drain the pasta when done and return to the pot you cooked it in. Add in the cooked meat with the spices and pan drippings. Add in the spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce.

  24 ounces spaghetti sauce,8 ounces tomato sauce

• Pour half of the pasta and meat mixture into the bottom of the pan. Add the ricotta cheese on top, in small scoops over the pasta. Then add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese.

15 ounces full fat ricotta cheese,16 ounces shredded mozzarella,1/2 cup parmesan cheese

• Add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the remaining parmesan cheese and the remaining mozarealla cheese.

• Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.