Baked Ziti with Sausage is one of those comforting, satisfying meals that can turn an ordinary day into something special. The combination of pasta, savory sausage, and creamy cheese creates a delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it ideal for busy weeknights or fun weekend get-togethers. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this hearty meal!

What Goes into This Baked Ziti with Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need to create a mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Sausage:

16 ounces Ziti Pasta (450 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
15 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (425 g)
1 pound Italian sausage (450 g)
1 pound ground beef (450 g)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2.5 g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
2 (24 ounces) jars marinara sauce (1.4 L)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese (425 g)
1 Egg

Step-by-Step Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Making Baked Ziti with Sausage is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will delight your taste buds:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions and bell pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften.
Brown the Meats: Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until their pink color disappears, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Flavor Your Sauce: To the cooked meat, add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.
Layer in the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, create layers. Start with a layer of the meat sauce and pasta, spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture over the top, and repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of pasta.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top layer of pasta. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes.
Broil for Perfection: After baking, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil on high. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Baked Ziti with Sausage is out of the oven, it’s time to serve! Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares for easy plating. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and warm garlic bread to complete the meal. A light red wine or sparkling water can also be a great match to balance the rich flavors.

Helpful Tricks for Baked Ziti with Sausage

Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just assemble everything (without baking) and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. You may need to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Add Veggies: Feel free to mix in more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Choices: If you want to experiment, try using different cheese blends. Parmesan, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta can give your baked ziti a unique twist.

Baked Ziti with Sausage FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or rigatoni.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

You’re now ready to create a fabulous Baked Ziti with Sausage that’s sure to impress! Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Baked Ziti with Sausage

A comforting baked ziti dish with savory sausage, beef, and creamy cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Baked Ziti, Casserole, comfort food, Pasta, Sausage

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

16 ounces Ziti Pasta (450 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
15 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (425 g)
1 pound Italian sausage (450 g)
1 pound ground beef (450 g)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2.5 g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
2 jars marinara sauce (24 ounces each, 1.4 L total)

Cheese Ingredients

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese (425 g)

Instructions

Preparation

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions and bell pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften.
Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until their pink color disappears, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
To the cooked meat, add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, create layers. Start with a layer of the meat sauce and pasta, spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture over the top, and repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of pasta.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top layer of pasta. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Baking

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes.
After baking, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil on high. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling a day in advance and refrigerating until ready to cook. Feel free to mix in more vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist.