This 45-minute baked ziti with sausage and ricotta layers zesty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta for a classic Italian-American comfort dish.
Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this hearty casserole pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Star Ingredients in This Baked Ziti Recipe
Italian sausage – Adds bold, savory flavor and richness to the meat sauce.
Yellow onion – Delivers subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with sausage.
Pasta sauce + canned tomatoes – Create a hearty, well-balanced base with texture and tang.
Ricotta cheese – Provides creamy contrast between layers, making the dish lush and indulgent.
Mozzarella and Parmesan – Melt into gooey, golden perfection on top and throughout.
Ziti pasta – Holds sauce beautifully with its tube shape, keeping every bite flavorful.
How to Layer and Bake Baked Ziti Like a Pro
Begin by browning sausage with onion, then simmer it into a rich tomato sauce.
Cook ziti until just al dente—so it doesn’t overbake.
Mix ricotta with egg, herbs, and cheeses for the creamy filling.
Layer everything in a greased pan: sauce, pasta, ricotta, more pasta, more sauce, then top with cheese.
Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden—about 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti with Sausage
For added heat, stir red pepper flakes into the sauce. Swapping sausage for ground beef or turkey? Add garlic and extra seasoning while browning for depth. You can assemble the dish ahead—just refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne is a great substitute—just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushy results.
What’s the best way to freeze baked ziti?
Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding cheese partway through.
Is it necessary to use egg in the ricotta mixture?
The egg helps bind the cheese layer so it doesn’t ooze out. If needed, you can omit it—just expect a softer filling.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the sausage and sauté the onion with garlic and chopped mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty meatless option.
45-Minute Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta
A comforting Italian-American classic, this baked ziti features layers of rich tomato sauce infused with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and al dente pasta, all blanketed with gooey melted cheese. Perfectly suited for a hearty family dinner, especially when accompanied by warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Info
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Main Course
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 28 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, or extra parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and diced onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles, until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, canned tomatoes with their juices, water, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Meanwhile, boil the ziti in a pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan until well blended.
Spoon 1 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Add half of the cooked ziti in an even layer, spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then spoon over half of the remaining sauce.
Top with the rest of the ziti, cover with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and bubbling.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
To substitute sausage with ground beef or turkey, incorporate 2 minced garlic cloves and an extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning during browning.
For added heat, stir ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes into the sauce.
To prepare ahead: Assemble the dish but reserve the final cheese layer separately. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for as long as 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking. Bake for 25 minutes, add the cheese, and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes until thoroughly heated and bubbly.
