If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that’s simultaneously hearty and easy to assemble, look no further than this Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe. It’s a sizzling, cheesy casserole that marries perfectly spiced Italian sausage with creamy ricotta and tender ziti pasta, all baked together in a luscious tomato sauce. The layers of cheese melting into the rich sauce make this dish an instant favorite for both casual weeknight dinners and special family gatherings. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in building flavors and textures you’ll love. From the spicy sausage that adds depth to the creamy ricotta which brings a lush softness, every element melds together beautifully in this easy baked ziti.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Choose sweet, mild, or hot depending on your spice preference, to give the sauce that robust, meaty flavor.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 3 oz tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The base of your sauce, for that perfect tangy balance and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend: A fragrant herb mix that enhances the Italian essence of the dish.
- ½ cup water: Helps tailor the sauce’s consistency so it’s just right for baking.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: The star pasta with a perfect tubular shape that holds sauce and cheese exceptionally well.
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Essential for seasoning the pasta as it cooks.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Brings a creamy, mild richness that complements the meat and tomato sauce.
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend: Or use mozzarella and Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy taste and texture.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese topping everyone loves.
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and mild herbiness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Onions
Start by browning the ground Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it get nice and crispy on the edges to lock in that intense savory flavor. While the sausage is cooking, finely dice your yellow onion. Once the sausage looks beautifully browned, add the onions and cook everything together until the onions become soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational aromas and flavors that will infuse your sauce.
Step 2: Building the Tomato Sauce
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and water to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly, cover with a lid, and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let the sauce bubble away slowly while you prepare the pasta. This slow simmer helps marry the flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of ziti.
Step 3: Cooking the Ziti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just tender, typically 7 to 8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook because the pasta will continue baking later and you want it to hold its shape and texture. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready for layering in the casserole.
Step 4: Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
While your pasta and sauce are coming together, whisk ricotta cheese, the Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. This creamy blend is the luscious contrast to the savory meat sauce and adds a dreamy, smooth texture inside the baked ziti layers. Also, preheat your oven to 350ºF to get ready for baking.
Step 5: Tossing Pasta with Sauce
Return the drained ziti to the pot, and pour in 1 cup of the red sauce. Toss everything gently so the pasta is evenly coated with the savory tomato goodness. This ensures every forkful tastes perfectly balanced before the baking process deepens the flavors even more.
Step 6: Layering the Baked Ziti
Time for the fun part: making layers in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the sauced ziti evenly. Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in small spoonfuls. Then spoon the remaining sausage and sauce over the ricotta. Repeat these luscious layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on top — this will melt into a golden blanket of gooey deliciousness.
Step 7: Baking the Ziti
Cover the dish with foil, making sure it’s tented slightly so it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes. This step melds all the flavors while warming everything through and allowing the ricotta to soften even further. It’s the cozy moment before the final cheesy finish.
Step 8: Broiling to Perfection
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the casserole for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the mozzarella turns golden and bubbly without burning. This quick broil adds that irresistible browned top layer everyone will rush to scoop up. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like a touch of bright green freshness before serving.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top gives a vibrant contrast in color and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving can also boost the cheesy flavor and add a little salty tang.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread toasted to golden perfection. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or a medley of seasonal veggies add a fresh, wholesome balance against the hearty pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, you can portion the baked ziti into individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes so everyone gets their own perfectly cheesy serving. Or turn it into a layered pasta buffet by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even swapping sausage for Italian meatballs—this recipe easily adapts to your favorite mix-ins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled completely, then covered tightly and kept in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days, making this a fantastic comfort dinner with built-in second-day bonus meals.
Freezing
This Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe freezes wonderfully. Either freeze the casserole before baking or freeze cooked leftovers in airtight containers. To maintain quality, consume frozen portions within 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350ºF covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works great for single servings—cover loosely to avoid drying out and stir midway through reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully because their tubular shapes hold sauce and cheese beautifully, maintaining that comforting texture.
What’s the best type of sausage to use?
Italian sausage can be sweet, mild, or hot. Choose according to your spice tolerance. You can also use a combination or substitute with ground turkey sausage for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Do I need to drain the ricotta before using it?
Not necessarily. Most ricotta cheese sold in stores is already well-drained and creamy, perfect for mixing directly with cheese and seasonings for this baked ziti.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance or even the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving for a stress-free, delicious meal.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Baked ziti freezes beautifully whether baked or unbaked. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly before reheating to keep the cheesy texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply something magical about the ease and comforting flavors packed into this Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and brings people together around the table with smiles for miles. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to favorite meals!
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Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich and flavorful meat tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a deliciously satisfying meal with a golden, bubbly cheese top.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onion: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until crispy and browned around the edges. While the sausage cooks, finely dice the yellow onion. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup water to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Stir everything together, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook while you prepare the pasta, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Ziti Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, adding ½ tablespoon of salt. Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: While the pasta and sauce are cooking, combine the ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Stir until evenly mixed. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) during this step.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained ziti to the pot and pour in 1 cup of the prepared red sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Spoon half of the remaining red sauce and sausage mixture over the ricotta. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Top the assembled casserole with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tented so it does not touch the cheese. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: Remove the foil from the dish and switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the baked ziti for about 5 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can use either sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to tent the foil loosely over the casserole when baking to prevent cheese from sticking to the foil.
- Broiling should be closely monitored to avoid burning the cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
