There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting pasta dish to bring the family together, especially on a busy weeknight.

Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage: A Delicious Family Dinner Idea 16

This easy baked ziti with sausage is a perfect example, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying meal without hours spent in the kitchen. It’s a dish that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s simple to assemble and even easier to devour, you’ve found it. This baked ziti combines savory sausage, tender pasta, and a blend of cheeses in a robust tomato sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is a true weeknight hero, designed for anyone who craves a homemade meal but is short on time. It works beautifully because it relies on readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced culinary skills to achieve a delicious result. This dish is perfect for families with busy schedules, as it comes together quickly and provides a substantial, satisfying dinner. It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping, as it reheats wonderfully, or for feeding a crowd without much fuss. Serve it when you need a comforting, flavorful meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy evening in.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

The beauty of this baked ziti lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already, which makes whipping up this dish even more convenient.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap ziti for other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the Italian sausage, though you might want to add a pinch more seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference. For a vegetarian version, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, a can of diced tomatoes that you’ve pulsed in a blender for a few seconds can work in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your family’s preference for spice.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this baked ziti recipe is its efficiency. It’s designed to get a delicious, hearty meal on the table without requiring a whole afternoon of cooking.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This timeline assumes you’re working efficiently, multitasking where possible (like browning the sausage while the pasta boils). The active prep time is minimal, focusing on chopping, mixing, and assembling. The majority of the time is hands-off, allowing the oven to do the work, baking the pasta to bubbly perfection.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious baked ziti is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a perfect, comforting dish every time.

Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, you can start on the sauce to save time.

Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water or chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything until well combined and smooth. This creamy mixture will add a wonderful richness to the baked ziti.

Assemble the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, spreading it gently. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer. Repeat with the remaining ziti, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and then cover with the remaining meat sauce.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Top the entire dish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The sauce should be simmering around the edges.

Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to set and makes it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This baked ziti with sausage is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes entirely. If your children are particular about textures, you can blend a portion of the sauce to make it smoother before adding it to the pasta. Adding a layer of finely chopped spinach or zucchini (sautéed first to remove excess moisture) can also be a sneaky way to incorporate more vegetables.

When it comes to serving, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment, offering a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a must-have for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted broccoli or a side of steamed green beans.

For parties or buffets, this baked ziti is an excellent choice because it feeds a crowd and holds up well. You can prepare it in advance and bake it just before guests arrive. Consider offering a variety of optional toppings on the side, such as extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or a bowl of extra red pepper flakes for those who like more heat. A dollop of fresh pesto swirled into individual servings can also add a gourmet touch.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls, but knowing what to look out for can help you achieve perfect results every time.

One frequent mistake is overcooking the pasta before baking. Since the ziti will continue to cook in the oven, it’s crucial to cook it only until al dente. If it’s too soft initially, it will become mushy and unpleasant after baking. Always check the package directions and err on the side of slightly undercooked.

Another common issue is not draining the sausage grease properly. Italian sausage can release a fair amount of fat. If you don’t drain it, your sauce can end up greasy and heavy. After browning the sausage, tilt the pan and carefully spoon out any excess grease before adding the onions and other sauce ingredients.

Under-seasoning the sauce is another pitfall. Tomato-based sauces need ample seasoning to truly shine. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper, and taste the sauce after it has simmered to adjust as

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.