The rich flavors of Baked Ziti with Sausage, blending Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tender ziti pasta, evoke warmth and comfort like a hug from an Italian grandmother. In this guide, we'll take you through an authentic, easy-to-follow recipe to recreate this beloved Italian dish right in your kitchen.
What You'll Need
Before we dive into making our delicious Baked Ziti with Sausage, let's gather our ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti with Sausage
👩🍳 Note: Always preheat your oven for consistent cooking results.
1. Cook the Ziti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add ziti pasta and cook until just al dente (about 10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
2. Prepare the Sausage and Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, cooking until soft and translucent, then garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and sugar. Stir well.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1⁄2 cup of Parmesan. Mix thoroughly.
4. Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, layer half the cooked ziti.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture on top, followed by half of the sausage-tomato sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Important Tips
- Don’t Overcook Ziti - It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients While Warm - This ensures everything melds together nicely.
- Let It Rest - This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Precook Ziti | Boil until slightly underdone. |
| Cook Sausage | Medium-high heat to brown effectively. |
| Sauce | Simmer to develop flavor. |
| Cheese Mix | Even distribution for uniform flavor. |
| Assembly | Layering is key for texture and flavor. |
| Baking | Use foil initially, remove for browning. |
| Resting | Crucial for slicing and serving. |
This baked ziti with sausage captures the heart of Italian-American cuisine, combining simplicity with rich flavors. Its layers of pasta, savory sausage, and three types of cheese provide comfort in every bite, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The key to its success lies in the balance of ingredients and the careful attention to cooking the ziti just right so it continues to cook in the oven without getting mushy.
To wrap up our journey through this classic Italian-American dish, remember that food is not just about eating; it's about sharing traditions, creating memories, and savoring every mouthful. The rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta, the stretchy mozzarella, and the robustness of the sausage all come together to create a meal that is much more than the sum of its parts.
By following this recipe, you're not only serving a delicious dish but also a piece of culinary heritage that has been loved for generations. Each forkful is a testament to the cozy comfort food that has found its place in the heart of many households around the world.
Can I Make Baked Ziti with Sausage Ahead of Time?
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Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from the fridge.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
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Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, though it might not be as rich.
Can I Freeze Baked Ziti with Sausage?
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Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
