Baked Ziti with Sausage is my go-to comfort dish. 😋 It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in.
The blend of spices from the sausage elevates the classic ziti to new heights. You won’t need anything else with this delicious one-dish meal.
I’m so thrilled to share this recipe because it’s not just about the taste, but also about how simple it is to make.
Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip this up without much fuss.
The best part? Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. 🍽️
Let’s get straight to what you’ll need and how to make it.
With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm, cheesy baked ziti that brings everyone to the table in no time! 🧀🍝
Baked Ziti With Sausage Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- To ensure a smooth cooking process, I’ll need a few key items:
- Large pot: For boiling ziti.
- Skillet: To cook the sausage and sauce.
- Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: To bake everything together.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get the ingredient amounts just right.
Ingredients
Here’s what goes into this amazing dish:
- 1 pound of ziti pasta 🍝
- 1 pound of Italian sausage casing removed
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish 🌿
Instructions
Here’s how I create this yummy dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ricotta and parmesan in a bowl. Mix well.
- Mix cooked ziti with sausage mixture and half of the mozzarella.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish, top with ricotta mixture, then the remaining pasta.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
Feel free to add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. It makes slicing easier.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat properly in the oven for the best taste and texture.
This Baked Ziti with Sausage is a guaranteed hit every time I make it! 🎉
Presentation & Serving
Hey everyone, let’s make baked ziti with sausage look as amazing as it tastes! 🎉 I’m excited to share my tips on how to present this delicious dish beautifully.
Equipment
- Large serving platter
- Wooden or metal utensils
- Napkins
I love using a big serving platter to lay out the ziti. It makes it easier for everyone to help themselves. Plus, it looks inviting! 🍽️
Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic bread (optional)
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s a simple way to make the dish look restaurant-worthy. 🌿
Instructions
- Arrange the ziti neatly on the platter.
- Top with herbs and cheese.
- Serve with warm garlic bread on the side.
Don’t forget to add grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. It gives the ziti a rich and cheesy layer that everyone loves. 🧀
Garlic bread goes perfectly with the baked ziti. It’s a match made in heaven!
I like to slice it and place it right next to the ziti, ready for people to grab.
Enjoying this meal with friends or family makes it even more special. Eat up and enjoy every bite! 😊👩🍳🍝
Storage Tips
When I make baked ziti with sausage, I always want to save some for later. Here’s how I keep it fresh! 😊
- Cool it down: Let the ziti cool completely before storing.
- Use airtight containers: Keep it in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3-4 days.
If I need to store it longer, freezing is the way to go.
- Wrap well: I wrap each portion tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Label it: Add a label with the date to help me remember when I made it.
- Keep it frozen: My baked ziti can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating my leftovers is easy too!
- Oven method: I preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the ziti with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave method: For a quick fix, I heat a portion in the microwave for a few minutes until hot.
Enjoy storing and reheating your delicious baked ziti! 🍝
Recipe Variation
I love getting creative with Baked Ziti with Sausage! 🎉 Let me share some fun ideas to mix things up.
Equipment:
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
Ingredients:
- Different meats: Swap sausage for ground beef or turkey.
- Veggies: Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheeses: Use mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta, or a mix of all three!
- Pasta: Penne or rigatoni works if you don’t have ziti.
Instructions:
- Use your favorite pasta sauce for a new flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick. 🔥
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies.
- Top with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
Why not try adding some cooked bacon for extra flavor? 🥓 It’s so tasty! Different ingredients bring a whole new experience to this classic dish.
Pairing
I’m thrilled to share with you how to make your Baked Ziti with Sausage dinner even more delicious! 🍝 Pairing the right side dishes and drinks can elevate the meal to a whole new level.
Drinks 🥂
- Red Wine: A classic choice like Chianti or Merlot matches the rich flavors.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, it’s refreshing and light.
- Iced Tea: Adds a sweet touch and balances the savory dish.
Side Dishes 🥗
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some color with zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots.
Desserts 🍨
- Tiramisu: A creamy Italian classic that’s always a hit.
- Gelato: Light and refreshing, perfect to finish off the meal.
- Chocolate Mousse: Decadent and sure to impress anyone.
Tips to Enhance ✨
- Use fresh herbs in sides to match the ziti’s flavors.
- Serve drinks chilled to make them more refreshing.
I hope you feel inspired to create a delicious dining experience with these ideas! Bon appétit! 🎉
Tips & Tricks
I’m here to make your Baked Ziti with Sausage the best it can be! 🍝
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices can make a big difference in flavor.
- Try using fresh basil or oregano if you can!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I always cook the ziti a little less than the package says.
- It finishes cooking in the oven, soaking up all the yummy sauce.
- Cheese Mix-Up: Mixing different cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta adds a creamy and gooey layer. 🧀
- Sausage Savvy: Use your favorite sausage!
- Whether it’s spicy or mild, choose what you love most.
- Make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the dish.
- Prep Ahead: Trying to save time? Assemble everything the day before.
- Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Layering is Key: Be careful to layer pasta, sauce, cheese, and sausage well so every bite is balanced and tasty. 😋
- Freeze for Later: Leftovers? No problem!
- This dish freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and it’s ready for future meals.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the experience with family and friends. Enjoy the deliciousness! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m super excited to answer your questions about cooking a fantastic Baked Ziti with Sausage dish! 🍝 Whether you want to switch up the meats, find easy cooking steps, add or skip ricotta, or choose the best side dishes, I’ve got you covered.
How can I make a delicious Baked Ziti with Sausage dinner using ground beef?
I like to swap sausage with ground beef for a different taste. 🍔
Use a similar amount of beef as you would sausage. Season it with Italian herbs like oregano and basil.
Sauté and add it to the dish just as you would sausage. It’s a tasty twist!
What are some easy steps to prepare Baked Ziti with Sausage for a weeknight dinner?
Here’s how I simplify my weeknight cooking:
- Equipment:
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Ingredients:
- Ziti pasta
- Sausage
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Instructions:
- Boil pasta
- Cook sausage
- Mix with sauce and cheese
- Bake 🧀
This way, I spend less time cooking and more time enjoying!
Can you share a traditional Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe that includes ricotta cheese?
I layer this dish with ricotta for creaminess:
- Equipment:
- Baking dish
- Large pot
- Ingredients:
- Ziti pasta
- Sausage
- Tomato sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Instructions:
- Cook pasta
- Brown sausage
- Combine with sauce and cheese
- Layer in baking dish
- Bake until bubbly 🧀
For dietary reasons, how do I make a Baked Ziti with Sausage dish without using ricotta?
No ricotta? No problem! I often skip it:
- Use more mozzarella instead
- Try cottage cheese as a lighter choice 🌟
This keeps the dish creamy without ricotta.
What side dishes pair wonderfully with a Baked Ziti with Sausage meal to delight the taste buds?
I love pairing my Baked Ziti with these sides:
- Fresh garden salad 🥗
- Garlic bread
- Steamed veggies
These sides are favorites that bring balance and delight to the meal!
What’s the secret to choosing the perfect jar sauce to elevate my Baked Ziti with Sausage dish?
Choosing a sauce is key! I look for:
- Rich tomato flavor
- Garlic and herbs
Brands that offer these flavors can really boost the dish.
Experiment with different ones to find your favorite. 🍅
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