The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole
Introduction
If you’re craving the kind of dinner that hugs your soul, this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage will hit the spot. 🍝 This hearty, oven-baked pasta dish is layered with robust tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful sausage — delivering a perfect balance of spice, richness, and that gooey cheese pull we all adore. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re sitting at an Italian family table… even if you’re just at your kitchen counter.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making extra to freeze for later, this ziti is a go-to favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients
For the pasta & filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 4–5 minutes).
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
3. Mix the ricotta filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. 🧀
4. Assemble the casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, layer half the ziti, then dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, half the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheese. Finish with the rest of the Parmesan on top.
5. Bake it
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of garlic bread 🥖, a simple green salad 🥗, and a glass of red wine for a full Italian-American experience.
Why You’ll Love It
- Super comforting and cheesy
- Great for feeding a crowd or leftovers
- Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
- Loved by kids and adults alike ❤️
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