Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella is a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. This casserole is a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions because it combines bold flavors with the ultimate comfort-food satisfaction.

The combination of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, robust tomato sauce, and Italian sausage creates layers of flavor that are enhanced by creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, this dish is a warm, satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, flavorful, and universally loved. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory sausage, tender pasta, tangy tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness. It’s a complete meal in one dish, which makes serving it effortless.

What makes it especially appealing is its versatility — you can adjust the sausage, cheeses, or herbs to your liking.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the best elements of Italian cooking — pasta, sausage, rich sauce, and melted cheese — into a simple yet indulgent casserole.

It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying as a cozy dinner for the family.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sausage Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese.
2. Mix until pasta is evenly coated with sauce and ricotta.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
3. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Serve

1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
3. Serve warm as a main course.

How to Serve

• Pair with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Great for casual dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
• Sausage: For less spice, use mild sausage; for extra kick, use hot Italian sausage.
• Sauce: Simmering the sauce enhances flavor; you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
• Browning: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy, golden cheese topping.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Baked Ziti: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
2. Chicken Baked Ziti: Replace sausage with cooked diced chicken breasts.
3. Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina cheese for a gooier texture.
4. Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) casserole for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet for sausage sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes — use 1 lb of ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work well.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — substitute ziti with gluten-free pasta.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — store baked leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. The combination of ziti, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and always crowd-pleasing.

Easy to assemble, customizable, and utterly delicious, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a go-to comfort food favorite in your home.