This Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. It features ziti pasta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, all baked together to perfection. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Sausage:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to make Baked Ziti with Sausage:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, cooked sausage, tomato sauce mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Spread half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top, then top with the remaining ziti mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
About the main ingredients:
- Ziti pasta: A type of pasta that is similar to penne but with a smooth texture and straight-cut edges.
- Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful and savory element to the dish. You can use sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a rich and tomato-y base for the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Cheese: A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness to the baked ziti.
Enjoy this Baked Ziti with Sausage as a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
