Baked Ziti with Sausage

This baked ziti with ItalianAmerican sausage layers tender pasta, savory meats, and rich tomato sauce with creamy cheeses for a truly comforting meal. It brings together all the best parts of classic ItalianAmerican flavors without the fuss of assembling lasagna. The combination of melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar on top adds a gorgeous golden crust that makes this dish irresistible for both weeknight dinners and special family gatherings.

My family fell in love with this after I made it for my brother’s birthday. Even my pickiest nephew asked for seconds and a container to take home, so it quickly became a goto for celebrations and potlucks.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: giving the perfect chew and holding sauce well look for bronzecut varieties if possible
• Italian sausage: adding a spiced savory punch choose mild or hot to your preference
• Ground beef: for added richness and a meaty heartiness
• Diced tomatoes: bringing bright acidic notes firerosted adds lovely depth
• Marinara sauce: supplying moisture and herby flavor use homemade or a trusted store brand
• Yellow onion: building a sweet savory base in the sauce
• Bell pepper: contributing color and a subtle natural sweetness
• Ricotta cheese: creating a creamy texture that balances the tomato acidity whole milk ricotta is best for creaminess
• Egg: helping to bind the ricotta layer so it stays intact when sliced
• Mozzarella cheese: melting into sensational gooey strands on top freshly shredded gives the best melt
• Cheddar cheese: adding a sharp tang to the cheese crust providing contrast
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder: rounding out the sauces flavor profile
• Salt and black pepper: to keep the flavors balanced
• Olive oil: for sautéing vegetables and adding richness

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Cook ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water following the package directions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since the pasta will soften more in the oven.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently for two to three minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your sauce.

Brown the Meats:

Add Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until no pink remains. Allow some browning to develop for deeper flavor. Drain excess grease so your casserole is not oily.

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Mix Pasta with Sauce:

Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with simmering sauce. Stir to coat every piece of pasta evenly ensuring every bite is packed with meaty tomato goodness.

Prepare Ricotta Layer:

In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and creamy. This blend will bake into a soft, sliceable layer throughout your casserole.

Layer the Casserole:

In a ninebythirteeninch casserole dish, spread a generous layer of pasta and sauce over the bottom. Dollop and gently spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture over the pasta. Repeat layering twice more finishing with pasta and sauce on top.

Add Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top layer covering the edges to achieve a golden, bubbling crust.

Bake:

Cover casserole with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbling. Remove foil and broil for two to three minutes to brown the cheese topping until golden and slightly crisp. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.

One of my favorite things about this dish is the gooey mozzarella on top. It pulls apart so wonderfully when you serve a slice, creating that comforting, melty experience that everyone loves. Watching my family dig in and request seconds is one of my best memories from holiday celebrations.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely before covering the casserole or transferring to airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Adding a little extra cheese before reheating can help refresh that gooey top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti on hand as they hold sauce well. You can make this dish with just ground beef or just sausage according to your preference. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter texture. If cheddar is unavailable, provolone or Monterey Jack cheese are great substitutes for the topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlicky bread to round out the meal. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce if you want extra vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley right before serving adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

This baked ziti is a crowd pleaser that reheats beautifully. Let it rest before slicing so portions hold together cleanly.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use another type of pasta instead of ziti?

Penne or rigatoni work well as alternatives since they hold sauce effectively and maintain texture during baking.

→ Is it possible to substitute another meat for Italian sausage?

You can use ground turkey, mild or spicy sausage, or omit meat for a vegetable-packed version with extra seasonal produce.

→ What cheeses can I use if I don't have ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone offer similar creaminess and work well as layers in this dish.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente before baking; it will soften more as the casserole cooks in the oven.

→ Can baked ziti be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to one day in advance; bake shortly before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat until piping hot.