
Sausage Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing meal. This version, featuring savory Italian sausage, is extra flavorful and satisfying. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and the result is a cheesy, saucy, and delicious baked pasta dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this fantastic Sausage Baked Ziti recipe!
Why This Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe Works
* **Flavor Bomb:** The combination of Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses creates an explosion of flavors that’s hard to resist.
* **Comfort Food Perfection:** Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is always a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious sausage baked ziti. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking!
* **Ziti Pasta:** 1 pound. Ziti is the classic choice for this dish, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape.
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound. I prefer to use sweet Italian sausage, but you can also use hot Italian sausage for a spicier dish. Remove the sausage from its casings.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion will work perfectly.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is always best, but you can also use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces (one large can). Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 15 ounces (one can). This adds extra depth and richness to the sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** 6 ounces (one small can). Tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. A classic Italian herb that adds a savory flavor.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Another essential Italian herb that complements the oregano perfectly.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon. A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces (one container). Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* **Egg:** 1 large. The egg helps to bind the ricotta cheese mixture together.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, plus more for topping.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Use whole milk mozzarella cheese for the best melting quality.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped (optional, for garnish).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Sausage Baked Ziti
Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious sausage baked ziti. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Baked Ziti
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the tomato sauce and sausage mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
3. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
7. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Ziti
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld even further.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Sausage Baked Ziti
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as good crushed tomatoes, Italian sausage, and cheeses, will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Simmering the tomato sauce for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce.
* **Don’t Skip the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:** The ricotta cheese mixture adds a creamy and tangy element to the baked ziti that is essential for the overall flavor and texture.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld even further, making it even more delicious.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** You can experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago, to create your own unique flavor combination.
Variations on Sausage Baked Ziti
* **Vegetarian Baked Ziti:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli.
* **Chicken Baked Ziti:** Substitute the Italian sausage with cooked chicken.
* **Spinach and Ricotta Baked Ziti:** Add a package of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) to the ricotta cheese mixture.
* **Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti:** Add ground beef or pepperoni along with the sausage.
* **Spicy Baked Ziti:** Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage baked ziti is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also great served with:
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked ziti.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine:** A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best things about baked ziti is that it can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
Baked ziti can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the baked ziti in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe
Here’s the full recipe, all in one place for your convenience:
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
* 15 ounces tomato sauce
* 6 ounces tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
4. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with tomato sauce and sausage mixture. Stir well to coat.
8. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
10. Repeat layers with remaining pasta mixture, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
11. Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
13. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this amazing Sausage Baked Ziti!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
Sausage baked ziti is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal! Happy cooking!