Baked Ziti with Sausage

This baked ziti with sausage combines layers of tender pasta, hearty Italian sausage, and rich ground beef in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with classic herbs. Creamy ricotta blended with egg creates a luscious filling, while melted mozzarella and cheddar form a golden, bubbly crust. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Simple to prepare using pantry staples, this dish brings all the familiar warmth of an Italian-American favorite without the fuss of multiple lasagna layers.

My family instantly embraced this recipe when I first served it for my brother’s birthday. Even the pickiest eater asked for seconds and took leftovers home. Now it’s a staple at celebrations and potlucks alike.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: brings the perfect chewy texture allowing sauce to cling—choose bronzecut for extra grip
• Italian sausage: adds spiced, savory richness mild or hot varieties both shine
• Ground beef: deepens the flavor with hearty meaty notes
• Diced tomatoes: brighten the sauce with fresh acidity fire-roasted varieties add complexity
• Marinara sauce: provides moisture and herbaceous depth homemade or quality storebought both work
• Yellow onion: builds sweetness and a flavorful base
• Bell pepper: contributes a touch of color and mild sweetness
• Ricotta cheese: delivers creamy richness that balances the tomatoes whole milk ricotta yields best texture
• Egg: binds the ricotta layer so it holds when sliced
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully into gooey strands on top freshly shredded is ideal
• Cheddar cheese: introduces a sharp tang to the topping
• Italian seasoning garlic powder and onion powder: round out the sauce’s flavor profile
• Salt and black pepper: balance all elements
• Olive oil: aids sautéing and enriches the base flavor

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil ziti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking but stop cooking just before fully tender to avoid mushiness later. Drain and set aside for layering.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add diced yellow onion and bell pepper, stirring often for two to three minutes until soft and fragrant. This step creates a flavorful foundation for your sauce.

Brown the Meats:

Add Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until no pink remains and the edges start to brown. This caramelization intensifies the savory flavor. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Build the Sauce:

Pour in drained diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper until fully combined. Let the sauce simmer gently so the flavors meld and the liquid thickens slightly.

Mix Pasta with Sauce:

Add the cooked ziti straight into the simmering sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece evenly, ensuring every bite bursts with meaty tomato goodness.

Prepare Ricotta Layer:

In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth and creamy. This mixture will bake into a soft, sliceable layer that balances the tomato sauce’s acidity.

Layer the Casserole:

In a nine by thirteen casserole dish, spread a generous layer of pasta and sauce over the bottom. Dollop and gently smooth out a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a final pasta and sauce layer.

Add Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the surface, covering edge to edge for a crispy golden top.

Bake:

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350 degree oven for twenty to thirty minutes until hot and bubbling. Remove foil and switch to broil for two to three minutes to brown the cheese to a crisp golden finish. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

I love watching the mozzarella melt and stretch as I serve each slice. It’s always the first part gone on the plate. Sharing this at family holidays has created some of my favorite memories with everyone gathering around the table asking for seconds.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely before covering tightly or transferring to airtight containers. They will keep well refrigerated for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave. Adding a sprinkle of cheese before reheating refreshes the topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Penne or rigatoni can replace ziti with similar sauce clinging results. Use all sausage or all ground beef if preferred. Cottage cheese can substitute ricotta for a lighter texture. Provolone or Monterey Jack can swap in for cheddar, providing different flavor twists.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and warm garlicky bread. Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost veggie content. Top with fresh basil or parsley right before serving for brightness and vibrant color.

This baked ziti is a hearty, comforting one pan meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve with a crisp salad and warm garlicky bread for a complete dinner.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the pasta for a different type?

Penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives as they hold sauce well and bake evenly.

→ What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can use mild or spicy ground turkey, ground beef only, or omit meat for a vegetable-rich version.

→ Which cheeses work if ricotta is unavailable?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can replace ricotta, offering similar creaminess and structure in the layers.

→ How do I avoid mushy pasta in the bake?

Cook pasta just shy of al dente before baking; it will soften further in the oven without becoming mushy.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best results.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Cool completely, cover airtight, and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat until hot, adding extra cheese if desired.