Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Three Cheeses

Craving Italian Sausage Recipes? This Baked Ziti with Sausage and three cheeses is pure comfort food! Easy to make, loved by all. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's dive into this amazing recipe, shall we? ever wondered what to cook for a crowd that's guaranteed to be a hit? my money's on this baked ziti, it's one of the best italian sausage recipes i know.

It’s packed with flavour and ridiculously comforting.

Baked Ziti Bliss: Sausage, Cheese, and Everything Nice

This dish is basically a warm hug in casserole form. think italian grandma cooking up a storm. baked ziti with sausage has roots deep in italian-american kitchens, a testament to hearty family meals.

It's pretty straightforward to make – i’d say medium difficulty, taking about an hour and fifteen minutes total. this recipe yields about 8 generous servings so its is perfect for feeding the family or a friendly gathering.

It's also great for meal prep as it keeps well.

Why You'll Love It

Honestly, the best thing about this recipe is the pure comfort factor. plus, it's a great source of protein thanks to the sausage and cheese.

It is one of those easy pasta recipes sausage makes sing. i love to serve it for sunday dinners or potlucks – it always gets rave reviews.

You can also explore other sausage pasta dish variations.

Now, get this: a study showed that home-cooked meals are linked to better overall health and happiness! now that’s a stat i can get behind.

It's an easy sausage recipes pasta dream come true.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Right, let’s gather our bits and bobs. For the sausage and sauce, you’ll need:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• Oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), fresh basil
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

For the pasta and cheese, it’s:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

I once tried to skimp on the mozzarella, big mistake. Don't do it. This could also be converted into Rigatoni With Sausage recipe with very few changes.

Alright, let's talk grub! specifically, the bits and bobs you'll need for some killer italian sausage recipes . we're making baked ziti with sausage and three cheeses.

Honestly, it's one of those dishes that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Right, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you'll need, measured precisely – because nobody wants a culinary disaster! We'll split this into stages to make it easy.

For the Sausage & Sauce Shenanigans:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings off. Get the good stuff!
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't be shy!
• 1 (28-ounce) can (800g) crushed tomatoes. Look for a nice, deep red colour.
• 1 (15-ounce) can (425g) tomato sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnishing.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil. Extra virgin is best!
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Pasta & Cheese Power:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta. Honestly, penne or rigatoni work a treat too! So you can try Rigatoni With Sausage
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese. Full fat is the way to go, trust me.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping.
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese. Get the good melty stuff!

When grabbing your sausage, make sure it smells fresh and doesn’t look slimy. trust your nose, it's usually right. you can go sweet or spicy.

It's all about personal taste. it will work great with some easy pasta recipes sausage

Seasoning Notes

Spice is nice! These combos are essential for that authentic Italian flavour.

• Oregano + Basil: The backbone of any good Italian sauce. It's how your nan used to make it, innit?
• Garlic: Can't have Italian without it!
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a cheeky bit of heat. If you are making sausage pasta dish you might want to try a pinch.
• Flavour Enhancers: A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. A bay leaf while simmering the sauce adds depth. Remove it before serving.

If you're out of oregano, try marjoram. Basil? A bit of parsley will do in a pinch. The result will still be amazing, especially with a ravioli and sausage recipe .

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. Gotta brown that sausage!
• Large pot. For the pasta. Obviously.
• Colander. Don't want soggy pasta.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Mixing bowls.

If you haven't got a dutch oven, a large, deep frying pan will do. no fancy baking dish? use any oven-safe dish of roughly the same size.

I once used a roasting tray – it still tasted amazing! you can even make it beef sausage dinner ideas

Honestly, This Sausage and Rigatoni Recipes dish is so versatile! It doesn't matter what you use, or which kind of ingredient you use!

Alright, let's dive into this amazing baked ziti with italian sausage and three cheeses recipe ! honestly, this dish is proper comfort food.

A hearty, cheesy hug on a plate, you know? think of it as the king of all easy pasta recipes sausage ! plus, it's not too difficult to make, even if you're a bit of a novice in the kitchen.

Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss

Right, first things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. basically, that just means getting everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.

It saves a world of time! chop up 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. get your cheeses out: 15 ounces ricotta, 2 cups of mozzarella, and some parmesan.

Make sure you have 1 pound (450g) of italian sausage , too, casings removed. trust me, prepping now makes the whole process smooth as butter.

Got that sorted? Good. Now, safety, especially when you're using a hot hob. Always be mindful of where your hands are and don't leave a hot pan unattended.

Step-by-Step Baked Ziti Magic

Right, let's get cooking!

1. Brown the sausage. In a big pan, heat a bit of olive oil. Add your sausage and cook until it's browned all over. Set it aside.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the onion to the pan and cook until soft, around 5 minutes. Then, toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
3. Simmer the sauce. Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of a kick), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring now and then.
4. Cook the pasta. While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta until al dente . You don't want it mushy! Drain it well.
5. Mix the ricotta. In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 large egg, and some Parmesan.
6. Assemble. Chuck the cooked pasta, sausage, and tomato sauce into a big bowl and mix it all together.
7. Layer it up. Spread half the pasta mixture in a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture on top, then the rest of the pasta and the mozzarella.
8. Bake! Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until it's golden and bubbly. Then, let it rest for 10 before serving

Pro Tips for a Bangin' Baked Ziti

Honestly, using good quality sausage makes all the difference. it elevates the entire dish! don't overcook the pasta – al dente is key.

And, if you're feeling fancy, pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two to get that cheese extra golden and bubbly! for a bit of variety, feel free to use sausage and rigatoni recipes instead of ziti.

One common mistake? overcooking the pasta. trust me, nobody wants a mushy bake! you can also make the sauce ahead of time, saving you some time on the day.

Think of this sausage pasta dish as a hug in a bowl! plus, sometimes i'll substitute the ground sausage with some beef sausage for something a little different.

I've got loads of crumbled sausage recipes dinners , but this one is a firm favourite!

So there you have it, a brilliant baked ziti! Get stuck in.

Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe. This ain't just about following instructions, it’s about making it yours .

Recipe Notes

So you've got your pasta masterpiece ready to go? Let's chat about how to make it even better!

Serving Suggestions: Showstopper Status

Right, presentation matters! think about this: a sprig of fresh basil on top does wonders. honestly, just that little pop of green makes it look like you've spent hours slaving away.

Serve this bad boy straight from the baking dish for that rustic, home-cooked vibe. or, if you're feeling fancy, plate individual portions and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.

Serve it up with some crusty garlic bread for mopping up that delicious sauce. a crisp green salad on the side? bang on! and for drinks, a glass of chianti or even a chilled pinot grigio would be spot on.

Storage Tips: Making It Last (If It Can!)

So, you've miraculously got leftovers of your sausage pasta dish ? wrap it up tight and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For freezing, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. it'll last for up to 2 months. when reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Then, either microwave it (easy peasy!), or pop it back in the oven until it's heated through. important: make sure it's piping hot all the way through before serving!

Variations: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

Fancy a change-up? this is where it gets fun. for a veggie version, ditch the sausage and add some roasted veg like bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergine.

Roasting them first brings out their sweetness. oh my gosh, this sausage and rigatoni recipes is versatile as it is delicious.

Need gluten-free? simply use gluten-free ziti. honestly, nobody will even notice the difference.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real, this isn't health food. but, it does have some goodness in there. the tomatoes are packed with antioxidants.

The cheese provides calcium. and the italian sausage recipes delivers protein. just remember, portion control is your friend! think of it as a treat rather than an everyday meal.

It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and you might even find yourself adding it to your regular rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of sausage in these Italian sausage recipes?

Absolutely! This recipe calls for Italian sausage, but you can use sweet, hot, or even a combination of both depending on your preference. If you're not a fan of pork, try using chicken or turkey Italian sausage. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the sausage is cooked through – nobody wants a dodgy tummy after dinner!

How do I prevent my baked ziti from becoming dry?

Nobody likes a dry pasta bake! To keep your baked ziti moist, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm) so it doesn't absorb too much sauce during baking. Also, don't skimp on the sauce and cheese – they add moisture and flavour. Covering the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time can also help retain moisture.

What's the best way to store leftover baked ziti?

Leftover baked ziti is fantastic the next day! Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. I sometimes add a splash of water or tomato sauce before reheating to keep it from drying out – a little tip I picked up from me nan!

Can I freeze this Baked Ziti Italian Sausage recipe for later?

Yes, you can! Assemble the baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a very cold temperature. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, you will just need to bake it covered for a longer period of time.

What kind of cheese is best for baked ziti?

This recipe uses a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, which creates a lovely creamy and cheesy texture. However, feel free to experiment! Provolone or fontina would also be delicious in this dish. Just make sure to use a good quality mozzarella that melts well – you want that perfect cheese pull when you serve it!

Is this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe healthy?

Baked ziti is a comfort food, so it's not necessarily a health food. However, you can make it healthier by using lean Italian sausage or turkey sausage, whole-wheat pasta, and low-fat cheese. You could also add some vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutrient content. Remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet – everything in moderation, as they say!

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