Baked Ziti with Sausage – Easy Casserole Dinner That Hits the Spot

Looking for a cozy, cheesy, and no-fail dinner idea? This Baked Ziti with Sausage is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. With layers of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this classic baked pasta dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to throw together, even on a busy night, and it bakes up into a bubbly, golden casserole that tastes like it took much more effort than it did. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning a make-ahead meal, this recipe is a reliable go-to.

Why You’ll Crave This Baked Ziti Again and Again

There’s something incredibly comforting about baked ziti, and the addition of sausage makes it even more crave-worthy. The sausage adds savory depth and a touch of spice, perfectly balanced by the creamy ricotta and smooth marinara sauce. The melted mozzarella ties everything together in cheesy, melty layers you’ll want to dive into. This dish is also endlessly adaptable—use your favorite pasta, swap in different proteins, or add vegetables to make it your own. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and disappears quickly at the table, with plenty of leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

What You’ll Need – Ingredients List

This baked ziti comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, most of which you probably already have. Choose a high-quality sausage and cheese for the best flavor, and don’t worry if you only have jarred marinara—this recipe is designed to be simple and accessible without sacrificing taste.

1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutritional Benefits at a Glance

While baked ziti with sausage is definitely a comfort dish, it still offers solid nutrition in a single plate. You’ll get plenty of protein from the sausage and cheese, while the pasta offers complex carbohydrates for energy. Ricotta adds calcium and a creamy texture without needing heavy cream, and you can add veggies to boost fiber. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a balanced, filling meal that hits all the right notes.

Calories: ~480 per serving (6 servings)
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 20% DV

How Much Time You’ll Need

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep because it doesn’t require a lot of active cooking. While the pasta boils, the sausage browns, and the ricotta filling comes together in a flash. After a quick layering session, the oven takes care of the rest. In under an hour, you’ll have a bubbling, golden pan of deliciousness ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage – Step-by-Step

Making baked ziti is all about simple layering and letting the oven do the heavy lifting. The steps are easy to follow, and the results are deliciously reliable every time. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape while baking, and be sure to brown the sausage fully for maximum flavor. The ricotta mixture adds a creamy, cheesy layer that blends beautifully with the marinara and sausage.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss cooked pasta with sausage and 2 cups of marinara sauce.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the pasta, dollop with ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 5–10 minutes more until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Custom Variations and Ingredient Swaps

This baked ziti is wonderfully flexible, which makes it great for feeding different dietary needs or simply using what you have on hand. You can easily substitute turkey or plant-based sausage, swap in different cheeses, or add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Adjusting the heat level is also simple—use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra kick, or go completely mild for younger eaters or spice-sensitive guests.

Use ground turkey or beef instead of sausage
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or dairy-free alternatives
Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Try a plant-based sausage and vegan cheese to make it dairy-free

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Baked ziti is one of those meals that tastes just as good—if not better—the next day. The flavors continue to develop, and the texture stays hearty. For best results, store in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve the moisture and melt. You can also freeze portions for later, making this dish a great option for batch cooking or meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, covered
Microwave individual portions with a splash of water or sauce
Freeze baked or unbaked ziti for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped
Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving for a fresh touch

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

This dish is filling enough to be a full meal, but a few simple sides will round it out and add brightness. A crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread all make great companions. If you’re entertaining, consider offering a simple antipasto platter or even a light dessert like fruit salad or sorbet to finish things off on a fresh note.

With a crisp green salad and vinaigrette
Served alongside roasted broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread or herbed focaccia on the side
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
End the meal with something light like fresh fruit or a scoop of gelato

Make It Kid-Friendly

This recipe is naturally appealing to kids, but a few tweaks can make it even more accessible for picky eaters. Choose mild sausage or swap in ground beef if spice is a concern, and keep the herbs minimal if your child prefers simpler flavors. Kids can help assemble the layers, sprinkle cheese, or portion into mini baking dishes for personalized servings. Pair it with fun sides like fruit or breadsticks for a dinner that feels familiar but still homemade.

Use mild sausage or plain ground meat
Let kids help sprinkle cheese or build their own layers
Make individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins
Keep seasoning light and sauces smooth
Serve with fruit or a favorite dipping veggie for balance

Tips for the Perfect Casserole Every Time

Achieving the perfect baked ziti comes down to a few key techniques. Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking, or it may turn mushy in the oven. Brown your sausage thoroughly for the best flavor, and layer thoughtfully to ensure even cheese and sauce distribution. Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold its shape and makes slicing easier. And don’t be afraid to double the batch—this is one meal that freezes beautifully and pleases everyone at the table.

Cook pasta al dente to avoid over-softening
Brown sausage until golden for rich flavor
Use a hot oven and remove foil for a bubbly, golden top
Rest 5 minutes after baking for clean slices
Freeze leftovers in portions for easy reheating later

Final Thoughts – Comfort Food Made Simple

This Baked Ziti with Sausage is everything you want in an easy dinner: comforting, hearty, full of flavor, and simple to make. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, planning ahead for busy nights, or just treating yourself to something cozy and satisfying. With its cheesy layers and savory sausage, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation. Try it tonight, share it with friends, and don’t forget to tag your delicious creation with #BakedZitiLove to spread the comfort far and wide.

FAQs

Yes, it’s essential to fully cook the sausage before mixing it with the pasta and sauce. Browning it in a skillet not only ensures it’s safe to eat but also builds flavor through caramelization. You can use sweet Italian, spicy, or turkey sausage based on your preference.

Absolutely. Baked ziti is a great make-ahead meal. Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

Yes, baked ziti freezes very well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. For best results, use a freezer-safe container and wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. If freezing before baking, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

A classic combo includes ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta gives it creaminess, mozzarella adds melt and stretch, and Parmesan brings sharpness. For extra flavor, you can mix shredded provolone or fontina into the layers. Use whole-milk cheeses for the richest texture, or part-skim if you want to lighten it up.

Definitely. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use plant-based sausage for a meat-free but hearty alternative that still brings bold flavor and satisfying texture.