Cozy Baked Ziti with Cheesy Tomato Sauce and Sausage Recipe

My weekend family dinners always spark excitement when this hearty baked ziti casserole lands on the table.

Bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce create an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory sausage, and melted mozzarella promise comfort in every single bite.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this straightforward yet delicious recipe that comes together quickly.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering authentic flavors without complicated preparation steps.

Italian-inspired dishes like this ziti feel like a warm culinary hug that satisfies deep hunger.

We bet you’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing meal that makes memories around the dinner table.

Sides To Serve With Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Crisp Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory sausage and cheesy tomato sauce.
• Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and add a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheese.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft baked ziti.
• Italian Antipasto Starter: Prepare a small plate of marinated olives, cured meats, and roasted vegetables to kick off the meal with classic Italian flavors.

How To Store Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Baked Ziti With Sausage FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The ground sausage adds a mild, savory flavor with a hint of spice. If you prefer more heat, choose a spicier sausage or add red pepper flakes.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. Just ensure the pasta shape is similar in size and can hold the sauce well.

• What makes the sauce so flavorful?

The combination of ground sausage, onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes creates a rich, deep flavor. The herbs like oregano enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a hearty Italian-inspired dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Impress family and friends with a delicious one-dish meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, making mealtime a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap sausage for ground beef or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you total culinary flexibility.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Prepare this mouthwatering casserole with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, turning dinner into a stress-free experience.

Ingredients For Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Ziti Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape perfect for baked dishes with its tube-like structure.
• Ground Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates the base for a robust and tangy tomato sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture and sharp, salty notes to the baked ziti.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a deep, savory foundation that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Provides traditional Italian herb seasoning and balanced taste enhancement.

How To Make Baked Ziti With Sausage

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. This will ensure a perfectly baked dish with crispy cheese and bubbly sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti pasta following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. Make sure to keep the pasta slightly firm for the best texture.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, letting it develop a rich, golden color.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Garlic

Sauté until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl. Ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta and cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the baked ziti and serve it hot. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish.

Tips For Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Select high-quality Italian sausage for robust flavor and authentic taste.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it continues cooking in the oven.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect texture.
• Layer cheese strategically for maximum melting and even distribution across the dish.
• Consider adding fresh basil leaves before serving for extra aromatic touch and brightness.

Tasty Twists On Baked Ziti With Sausage

• Vegetarian Ziti Delight: Replace ground sausage with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy Chorizo Ziti Blast: Swap ground sausage with spicy chorizo and add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Ziti: Incorporate fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Seafood Ziti Fusion: Substitute sausage with shrimp and crab meat, adding a splash of white wine and fresh parsley for a coastal twist.

Baked Ziti with Cheesy Tomato Sauce and Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked ziti with sausage brings Italian comfort to your dinner table, melding rich tomato sauce and melted cheese into a soul-warming casserole. Layers of pasta, savory meat, and gooey mozzarella promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 pound ziti pasta

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the ziti casserole.
2. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, following package guidelines. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into crumbly pieces.
4. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the sausage, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, seasoning with oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sausage-tomato sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring every pasta piece is evenly coated.
7. Transfer half the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, creating an initial layer.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the first layer, covering the surface completely.
9. Add remaining pasta mixture on top, creating a second layer.
10. Top the final layer with another generous helping of both cheese varieties.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown with crispy edges.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
13. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook ziti al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a satisfying texture that holds up in the cheesy sauce.
• Sausage Selection: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, or swap with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Cheese Customization: Mix in ricotta for extra creaminess or experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg