If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—cheesy, saucy, and perfectly hearty. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how simple ingredients came together into something so satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to help you make a fan-freaking-tastic baked ziti that your family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and rich tomato sauce hits all the right savory notes every single time.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want it milder, spicier, or even vegetarian, this recipe adapts well to your tastes and pantry.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, then bake when you’re ready—stress-free dinners, yes please!
- Cheesy, Gooey Goodness: The three-cheese combo bakes up bubbly and golden, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this baked ziti recipe comes from simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor together. When shopping, I like to grab good-quality Italian sausage and freshly grated cheeses because they make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
- Ziti or Penne Pasta: These tubular shapes are perfect for holding sauce—don’t overcook, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Italian Sausage: I use spicy or mild sausage, depending on my mood; removing the casing lets it brown better.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that punch of flavor you want in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that elevates the sauce flavor effortlessly.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I love the slight heat they bring; if you prefer mild, feel free to leave them out.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of the sauce, a great quality canned variety is key.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning your sauce just right.
- White Sugar: This little trick cuts the tomato tanginess and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates that luscious middle layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to form that irresistible bubbly layer on top.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (Optional): A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and color to your serving.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different diets, tastes, and occasions. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach before—still packed with flavor and just as comforting.
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra crushed red pepper or using spicy Italian sausage really amps things up when we’re craving a little heat.
- Cheese Swap: Once I tried adding provolone for an extra gooey layer, and it was a hit! Feel free to mix cheeses to what you love.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your canned tomatoes and sausage to keep this friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your ziti or penne according to package directions minus 2-3 minutes. This is key—undercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy once baked. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Veggies
In a large pot or deep skillet, add the sausage meat and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking up the sausage with your spoon. You want it nicely browned but not dried out. The onions will soften and become fragrant. This step builds your flavor base.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about one minute, just until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it! This little burst of aromatics kicks the sauce up a notch.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything to combine well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors. The cream mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce silky and rich.
Step 5: Mix Pasta and Sauce, Then Layer
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated. For the layering, spoon half of this mixture into your casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Next comes the fun part—drop dollops of ricotta cheese all over the pasta layer. It doesn’t need to be perfect; trust me, those pockets of ricotta are what dreams are made of.
Finally, add the remaining pasta on top, spread as best as you can without mixing the ricotta layer. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the surface. This triple cheese topping creates that beautifully browned, bubbly crust we all adore.
Step 6: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbly. Then, switch to the broiler for a couple of minutes to brown and crisp the cheese on top. Keep a close eye here so it doesn’t burn—when the cheese is golden and bubbling, you’re done!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Undercooking by a few minutes ensures it won’t get mushy when baked.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that affect melting and texture.
- Timing the Broil: Broil for just 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely because cheese can go from beautifully golden to burnt in seconds.
- Sausage Prep: Removing the casing helps the sausage brown more evenly and breaks apart easily.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over my baked ziti just before serving. It adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through all the rich cheese and sausage, and it looks so inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread. The crisp salad balances the heartiness of the baked ziti, and the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake individual servings in mini ramekins sprinkled with extra basil leaves and a little parmesan on top. It feels fancy but is still so cozy and inviting—perfect for date night or a casual dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cool leftovers completely, then cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 4 days, though I’ve found it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded more.
Freezing
This baked ziti freezes beautifully. I wrap the casserole dish tightly in foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks or meal prep!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer baking leftovers covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This keeps it moist and prevents the cheese from drying out. You can remove the foil and broil for a minute or two at the end to refresh that bubbly golden top.
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well, though you might want to add extra Italian seasoning or spices to mimic the flavor depth of the sausage. You can also try ground turkey for a lighter option, but be mindful it may be less fatty and flavorful.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
I recommend sticking with heavy cream because it adds richness and prevents the sauce from curdling. If you must substitute, try adding extra crushed tomatoes or a bit of tomato sauce, but avoid milk or half-and-half as they may separate in the acidic tomato sauce.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, with some tweaks! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a similar non-dairy cream. The texture and flavor will change somewhat, but it still makes a tasty, comforting bake.
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How spicy is this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe?
The heat level is mild to medium by default. The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but they’re optional. Using spicy Italian sausage will increase the heat. You can always adjust according to your family’s taste.
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Can I assemble this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep easier on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits that perfect balance between comfort and elegance. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me of family dinners, laughter around the table, and a home filled with cozy aromas. I really hope you give it a try, and when you serve it, watch how everyone’s eyes light up. Trust me, this recipe is a winner you’ll want on repeat.
Print
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious baked ziti recipe features al dente pasta combined with a rich, creamy tomato and Italian sausage sauce, layered with ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden cheesy crust, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-American classic perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
Sauce & Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (ground or removed from casings)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Cheeses
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure proper browning during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions recommend, ensuring the pasta is slightly undercooked to finish baking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage and Onion: In another pot or deep skillet, add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and white sugar. Stir to combine and let the sauce heat through on medium heat for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce pot and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the creamy sausage tomato sauce.
- Assemble Casserole – Bottom Layer: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish to create the base layer.
- Add Ricotta Layer: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer. It doesn’t need to be perfectly spread; just distribute it across the surface to add creamy pockets.
- Assemble Casserole – Top Layer: Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly but without stirring to keep layers distinct.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella over the top layer of pasta.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Broil to Brown: Switch the oven to broil and watch closely as the cheese browns and forms a golden crust. This should take just a few minutes; be careful not to burn it.
- Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and/or basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use either ground sausage meat or buy sausages and remove the meat from the casings. You can use up to about 1.5 pounds if preferred.
- The white sugar enhances the sweetness of canned tomatoes. You can omit it if you prefer less sweetness, but it helps achieve a balanced restaurant-quality flavor.
- If substituting the heavy cream, replace it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or marinara sauce instead of half-and-half or milk to avoid curdling due to acidity.
- You can omit ricotta cheese if desired; the recipe will still be delicious without it.
- This recipe can be found with step-by-step photos, tips, and FAQ in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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