Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Introduction

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty pasta meal combines savory Italian sausage and ground beef with creamy ricotta and melted cheeses, all baked to perfection in a warm marinara sauce.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. First, it is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults love. Second, it is simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that allows you to customize ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, you can make this dish your own!

How to Make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Making Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is easy and straightforward. Just follow the steps below for a tasty meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Layer half the ziti mixture in a baking dish, add half the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Serve Baked Ziti hot from the oven. Cut into squares and place on plates. You can add a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your comforting dish with family and friends!

How to Store Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

To store Baked Ziti, allow it to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just defrost it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

• For extra flavor, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mix.
• If you like it cheesy, don’t hesitate to add more cheese on top!
• You can use any type of pasta if you don’t have ziti—penne or rigatoni work well too.

Variation

If you want to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and beef. Instead, you can add sautéed vegetables or extra ricotta cheese for a tasty meatless dish.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Baked Ziti in advance?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option or any type of Italian sausage you prefer.

3. Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly if you are short on time. Just choose your favorite brand.

Now you are ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious serving of Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. Happy cooking!

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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• Author: hamidkom
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A delicious and comforting baked ziti dish with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Layer half the ziti mixture in a baking dish, add half the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mix. You can use any type of pasta if you don’t have ziti—penne or rigatoni work well too.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian