Okay, so, let’s talk comfort food, shall we? You know, the kind of food that just wraps you up in a big, warm hug? For me, that’s definitely Baked Ziti with Sausage — Comfort Food Favorite. This dish is seriously a classic for a reason! It’s got everything: perfectly cooked ziti pasta, juicy Italian sausage, a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, and tons of gooey, melty cheese. Mmm, it’s just amazing.
I’ve been making this recipe for years – it’s been a staple in my family since, well, forever! Growing up, it was THE dish everyone requested for birthdays and holidays. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s always a hit. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for *Baked Ziti with Sausage — Comfort Food Favorite*
- So Darn Easy: Seriously, you can get this comfort food on the table, even on your busiest night. Score!
- Flavor Explosion: The sausage, the sauce, the cheese… oh my! It’s a total flavor bomb that’s totally satisfying.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Bring this to a potluck or just make it for your family, and watch it disappear. It’s always a hit!
- Make It Your Own: Love veggies? Add ‘em! Cheese fanatic? Pile it on! The options are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need for *Baked Ziti with Sausage — Comfort Food Favorite*
Alright, let’s gather our supplies! You won’t believe how simple it is to get all of this together. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- 1 pound of ziti pasta – you know, the tubular kind!
- 1 pound of Italian sausage, and please, take it *out* of those casings.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is best!
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes – grab a good brand! Flavor matters.
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano – a little bit of earthy goodness!
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil – because Italian food needs its best friend!
- Salt and pepper to taste – season to your heart’s content!
- 15 ounces of ricotta cheese – creamy deliciousness incoming…
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – grab the good stuff!
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – we’re going cheesy, baby!
You can find all these ingredients easily at your local grocery store. I always try to pick the best quality I can, because it makes a HUGE difference in the finished dish. Fresh herbs too if you have them, absolutely delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Baked Ziti with Sausage — Comfort Food Favorite*
Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe is super easy, but I’ll guide you through it step-by-step so you get the perfect, cheesy result every single time! Preheat that oven, grab your apron, and let’s go!
Preparing the Pasta and Sauce for *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
First things first: crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a big ol’ pot, cook that ziti pasta according to the package directions. Don’t overcook it! You want it *al dente* – it’ll cook a little more in the oven. While it’s doing its thing, grab a big skillet and brown the sausage. Make sure you break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any grease, nobody wants a greasy ziti! Now, add the chopped onion and cook til they are soft. Next, toss in the garlic and let it sizzle *just* until fragrant, not burnt! Pour in those crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, so the flavors can mingle and do their thing!
Assembling the *Baked Ziti with Sausage* Casserole
Now, let’s get this casserole ready to rock! In a bowl, take that creamy ricotta cheese, and mix in your Parmesan cheese. Then, stir in one cup of the mozzarella. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to a BIG bowl. Now, pour in the meat sauce. Then, get that ricotta mixture in there too. Mix it ALLLL up. Carefully, so you don’t break up the pasta too much, so it all gets coated in deliciousness. Time to assemble the ziti! Pour half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish – a 9×13 inch is perfect! Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and… yum!!
Baking and Serving Your *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
Pop that beautiful dish into the preheated oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melted, bubbly, and golden brown – basically, when it looks irresistible! Take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in (if you can wait that long!). Slice it up, and serve it with a fresh side salad. Garlic bread is also amazing with this for dipping into the sauce! Enjoy, you’ve earned it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
Okay, let’s talk about some of the stars of this Baked Ziti with Sausage, shall we? You know, the things that make the magic happen (and what you should do if you don’t have *exactly* what I’ve listed!).
First up, the sausage! You can use either sweet Italian sausage, or spicy, hot Italian sausage in this recipe. It totally depends on how much of a kick you want! I love the hot, but sometimes my kids prefer the sweet. No judgment here! If you don’t have sausage, don’t worry! You can totally swap it out for ground beef or ground turkey. Or, if you’re going meatless, try a good quality vegetarian sausage. Just make sure you brown it well and drain any extra oil!
And then there’s the tomato situation: I like crushed tomatoes for this because it gives you a nice, thick sauce. You *could* use diced tomatoes. It’ll be a bit chunkier, but still really delicious! Play around and find your perfect tomato texture. You might even want to try some fresh tomatoes! Mmm!
Tips for Success with Your *Baked Ziti with Sausage — Comfort Food Favorite*
Okay, friends, let’s make sure you get PERFECT Baked Ziti with Sausage every single time! Trust me, I’ve made this dish a million times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I just HAVE to share!
First off, cook the pasta “al dente”, a little firm. It’ll keep from turning into mush in the oven! Browning the sausage is KEY. Really let it get nice and brown, and you’ll seriously boost the flavor. Don’t be shy about seasoning, either. Salt, pepper, oregano, basil… taste as you go! Add more, little by little, until it sings to your taste buds. This is also how I adjust the seasoning for what I am feeling that day!
And… that’s it! It’s super easy, and you’ll get the perfect dish every single time!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
Listen, life gets hectic! So, I’ve got some tricks to make this fantastic Baked Ziti with Sausage even easier. You can totally prep this in advance!
If you want to get ahead, assemble the entire casserole (pasta, sauce, cheeses) in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good there for up to a day, maybe two. Then you just bake it when you’re ready to eat! Adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to compensate for it being cold.
You can also freeze it! Assemble the baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish or divide it into smaller portions in individual containers. Wrap it up super tight to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as usual! Or, if in a pinch, bake it covered in foil until heated through, then remove the foil and let the cheese melt and bubble.
Variations on *Baked Ziti with Sausage* to Try
Okay, friends, let’s get creative! Once you master this Baked Ziti with Sausage, you might find yourself wanting to switch it up! I get it! Here are a few ways I love to jazz up this already amazing recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
First off, veggies! Sauté some bell peppers and mushrooms with the onion. Or, toss in some spinach at the end of the sauce simmering time. A little extra veggie goodness is always a win! You can also play with the cheese. Try a blend of provolone and mozzarella – YUM! Or how about a sprinkle of fontina for a sophisticated twist? For the ultimate kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. Or some fresh basil at the end. Delish!
Nutritional Information for *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
Heads up, everyone! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, since it depends on the exact ingredients and brands you use. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Baked Ziti with Sausage*
Hey, I hear you! Got questions about making this amazing Baked Ziti with Sausage? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get from friends and family, so get ready to become a ziti pro!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is classic, you can totally swap it out for other pasta shapes. Penne is a great choice and works so well with this recipe! Rigatoni, or even a smaller pasta like elbow macaroni would work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it! And hey, if you have a favorite shape, go for it! Make it your own, you know?
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Oh, you like it hot, huh? Okay, I’m with you! There are a few ways. You can use hot Italian sausage, which is the easiest way to add some heat. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when it’s simmering, or even a dash of cayenne pepper. For extra zing, add a diced jalapeño or two while you’re browning the sausage. Just taste as you go, and don’t overdo it! You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, absolutely! Baked Ziti with Sausage is a freezer-friendly dream! Assemble the whole casserole, or divide it into individual portions. Wrap it up super tight with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking (you might need to add a few more minutes to the baking time to compensate for it being cold!). You can also freeze individual portions to grab-and-go for quick meals. Score!
How long will leftovers last?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers – and trust me, this stuff disappears fast – you can store the Baked Ziti with Sausage in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool down and store it in an airtight container! Easy peasy! Reheat it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through. I like it even better the next day, personally! Yum!
