![- 12 oz ziti pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 3 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for cooking Gathering the right ingredients makes this baked ziti special. Fresh, high-quality items create the best flavor. I love using both mild and spicy Italian sausage. It gives you the option to adjust the heat. The pasta should be ziti, but you can try penne if you prefer. Fresh garlic and onion add depth to your sauce. Canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce form the base. Herbs like oregano and basil bring a nice aroma. Red pepper flakes add a kick but are optional. The ricotta cheese gives creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan add that gooey finish. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Olive oil is essential for sautéing your onions and sausage. Having all these ingredients at hand makes the cooking process smoother. Don’t rush; enjoy the moments in the kitchen while creating this hearty family comfort meal. For the complete cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Boil salted water and cook ziti pasta until al dente. - In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. - Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. - Add Italian sausage to the skillet. Brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 6-8 minutes. - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese until well combined. - Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. - Layer the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese. - Top with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To make your baked ziti great, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm yet cooked. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. Cooking it just right gives you the best texture. Using fresh herbs will also enhance the flavor. Fresh basil can brighten the dish. You might use fresh oregano too. Dried herbs are fine, but fresh makes a big difference. Serve baked ziti with garlic bread. The warm bread pairs well with the cheesy pasta. Add a fresh salad for color and crunch. It makes a nice balance on the table. For gatherings, consider individual portions. You can use small baking dishes. This makes serving easy and fun for guests. One big mistake is overcooking the sausage. Cook it just until browned. If you cook it too long, it can get dry. Another mistake is not letting the dish rest before serving. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes helps the layers set. This way, each slice holds together better. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in baked ziti to fit your taste. Try using chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Both add great flavor without too much fat. If you want more protein, mix in some ground beef or turkey. This adds a hearty touch to the dish. If you want a meatless meal, there are tasty veggie options. Swap out the sausage for mushrooms or lentils. Both add a nice texture and flavor. You can also throw in veggies like spinach or zucchini. These add color and nutrition to your baked ziti. Cheese can change the whole dish! Try goat cheese or cheddar for a unique taste. Each brings its own flavor and creaminess. For those avoiding dairy, plant-based cheeses work well too. They melt nicely and keep your dish creamy without the dairy. Feel free to mix and match these ideas for your own perfect baked ziti creation! For the Full Recipe, check out the complete guide to get started. To keep your baked ziti fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Make sure they cool first. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can keep it in the fridge for about three to four days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm throughout. You can also microwave it, but the oven gives better texture. You can freeze baked ziti for later. If you freeze it unbaked, prepare it up to the baking step. Cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To freeze already baked ziti, let it cool first. Then cut it into portions and place in airtight containers. This way, you can take out only what you need. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the ziti in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake it for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. Baked ziti can last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Before serving, reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. This helps keep the cheese melty and delicious. Yes, you can make baked ziti ahead of time. Prepare it as directed but do not bake it yet. Cover it and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked ziti pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - A light soup These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. Baked ziti can be a hearty dish, but it can also be healthy. Use whole wheat pasta and lean sausage for a better choice. You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. Adjust the cheese for fewer calories, too. You can find the Full Recipe [here]. It has detailed steps and fun variations to try. Enjoy your cooking adventure! This blog post covered everything you need for a great baked ziti. You learned about the key ingredients and essential tools. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy for you. You also discovered tips to perfect your dish and common mistakes to avoid. Baked ziti is versatile, so feel free to try different meats or veggie options. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. With these insights, you can create a comforting dish for any occasion. Enjoy making baked ziti that everyone will love!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f543eca0-d0f3-43a3-ab86-a9bf34f4db0b-250x250.webp)
55. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Dive into the delicious world of Baked Ziti Extravaganza with this easy-to-follow recipe! Packed with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With step-by-step instructions and handy prep tips, you'll create a cheesy masterpiece in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this ultimate comfort food!