Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe

Baked ziti with Italian sausage is a classic, hearty dish perfect for any gathering. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal.

Combining pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures sure to please everyone.

Preparing the Sauce

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.

Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, returning the sausage to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil at the end.

Cooking the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and the ziti pasta. Cook until al dente, as per the package instructions.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix until well combined, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture will add a delightful creaminess to the baked ziti.

The combination of these cheeses with the egg helps bind the ingredients together, creating a rich, flavorful layer.

Assembling the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, spreading it gently with a spatula.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm for the best experience.

Tips for Success

Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. Spicy sausage adds a kick to the dish, while sweet sausage offers a milder flavor.

Ensure the pasta is al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.

Fresh basil adds a pop of freshness to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh basil, extra dried basil can be used as a substitute.

Variations to Try

For a meatier version, mix in ground beef with the Italian sausage. This adds more depth to the dish.

Spinach can be added for a healthier twist. Simply stir in fresh spinach with the cheese mixture before assembling.

Experiment with different cheeses like cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture and flavor.

Baked ziti with Italian sausage is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out the variations, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!