Baked Ziti with Sausage is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish layered with pasta, seasoned meats, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. This classic Italian-American comfort food combines all the rich flavors of lasagna but with an easier, fuss-free preparation.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck, or prepping freezer meals, this recipe delivers consistent results — savory, cheesy, and full of flavor. Every forkful has the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese that makes it an all-time favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Comforting, hearty, and always a hit at dinner.
- Easy to Make: No need to layer perfectly—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Cheesy and Flavorful: A rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Freezer Friendly: Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredient Breakdown
Pasta & Sauces
- Ziti Pasta (16 oz): The base of this casserole; its shape holds sauce and cheese perfectly.
- Marinara Sauce (2 jars, 24 oz each): Provides rich tomato flavor and moisture.
- Diced Tomatoes (15 oz, drained): Adds texture and a fresh tomato bite.
Proteins
- Italian Sausage (1 lb): Brings bold, savory seasoning and richness.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds hearty texture and flavor depth.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta layer and keeps it creamy when baked.
Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): Creamy and mild; forms a rich layer in the casserole.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy pull.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds sharp, tangy contrast to balance the richness.
Vegetables & Seasonings
- Yellow Onion (½, diced) and Bell Pepper (1, diced): Add flavor, color, and a slight sweetness.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and enhancing flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (½ tsp): A balanced blend of herbs like oregano and basil.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) and Onion Powder (1 tsp): Deepen the savory flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning.
Pro Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: It continues to cook in the oven; slightly firm pasta prevents mushiness.
- Drain Meat Well: Excess grease can make the dish oily.
- Use Quality Sauce: A flavorful marinara elevates the entire dish.
- Layer Generously: Each layer should have sauce, ricotta, and pasta for even distribution.
- Broil for Golden Perfection: A quick broil creates a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
- Meat-Free Version: Skip the sausage and beef; replace with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add provolone for extra meltiness.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Include zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute ziti with low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage with:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up that rich sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: Balances the heaviness of the pasta with freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- A Glass of Red Wine: Complements the robust Italian flavors beautifully.
This dish pairs perfectly with light desserts like Lemon Meltaway Cookies or Tiramisu Cups for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap unbaked ziti tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the full dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food with roots in traditional southern Italian cooking. Originally inspired by “pasta al forno,” this dish symbolizes home-style family meals—hearty, layered, and cooked in large portions meant for sharing. Over time, versions like this sausage and beef variation became a staple in American households, blending Italian heritage with family-style dining traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if ziti isn’t available.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, but choose a flavorful brand. Homemade sauce also works beautifully.
What’s the best cheese combination?
Mozzarella for meltiness, ricotta for creaminess, and cheddar for sharp flavor contrast.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until no pink remains, then drain excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and egg until fully combined.
- In a 9×13 casserole dish, layer the meat sauce and pasta mixture, spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture on top, and repeat the process twice more, finishing with a top layer of pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
