baked ziti with sausage recipe

baked ziti with sausage recipe

The Best baked ziti with sausage recipe

I’ve been making baked ziti with sausage for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for any occasion.

I like to think of it as a comfort food that never fails to put a smile on our faces. The combination of al dente pasta, flavorful sausage, and rich tomato sauce is a winning combination that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites – they can’t get enough of the gooey cheese and meaty goodness. I’ve also found that this dish is incredibly versatile – it’s just as good served as a main course or as a side dish, and it’s easily reheatable for those nights when we’re short on time.

As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to some other pasta dishes I’ve tried. With the use of lean sausage and a moderate amount of cheese, we can feel good about what we’re putting in our bodies while still enjoying all the flavors we love.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit our tastes – adding in some fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor and using high-quality ingredients whenever possible. But at its core, this baked ziti with sausage remains a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to impress.

Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage

4.6 from 1843 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring ziti pasta, flavorful sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, baked to perfection. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ziti

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb mild Italian sausage

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
7In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
11In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage, and tomato sauce.
12Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
13Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
14Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
16Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
17This will allow the dish to set and make it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Colander
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

This baked ziti with sausage is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

It’s easy to reheat and serve again whenever you need it, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Plus, with its hearty portions and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Sausage

Q: What type of sausage should I use?

A: You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage for this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet sausage is the way to go. If you like a little heat in your life, hot sausage is the better choice.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily substitute the sausage with roasted eggplant or zucchini to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Q: How do I store leftover baked ziti?

A: Let your baked ziti cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freezing for up to two months.

Q: Can I reheat baked ziti in the microwave?

A: While you can reheat baked ziti in the microwave, I recommend using the oven instead for better results.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil?

A: You can use dried basil as a substitute if fresh basil isn’t available.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to make this recipe even more colorful and nutritious.

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