Name: Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, or homemade; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

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If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of tender ziti pasta, savory sausage tomato sauce, and two kinds of melty mozzarella, all topped off with nutty Parmesan cheese. Every forkful bursts with rich flavors and irresistible textures, making it an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Once you make it, this baked ziti will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for satisfying, scrumptious Italian-inspired comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of cooked ground meat mixed with translucent, soft, cooked onion pieces in a dark green cooking pot with two handles, resting on a white marbled surface. The meat is light brown with small crumb-like texture, while the onion pieces are scattered evenly throughout, showing a slightly glossy look from cooking. The pot is centered with no other items around it, creating a simple and clear focus on the mixture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe just right starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the pasta provides the perfect base, the sausage adds a savory punch, and the combination of cheeses creates that luscious, gooey topping we all love.

Ziti pasta: The ideal pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully in every bite.
Ground sausage: Adds rich, savory depth that transforms the sauce.
Diced yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and texture to the meat sauce.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic boost and classic Italian flavor.
Marinara sauce: The hearty tomato base that ties the flavors together.
Tomato sauce: Enhances the sauce’s smoothness and balances acidity.
Sea salt: Elevates every flavor component just right.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbal complexity.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to make the dish irresistibly gooey.
Fresh mozzarella slices: Create pockets of creamy softness throughout.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish on top.
Red chili flakes: Optional, but perfect for a subtle kick.
Fresh basil: Adds a bright, herbal freshness when sprinkled on.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center position. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the ziti al dente — this ensures the pasta holds its shape while still being tender after baking. Meanwhile, start browning the ground sausage with diced onions and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the meat is nicely caramelized and the onions are soft. Don’t forget to drain excess fat so your sauce stays perfect, not greasy.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Once the sausage mixture is ready, stir in the jarred marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. The cream is the secret ingredient that turns this from a simple tomato sauce into a luscious, velvety sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked ziti right into the sauce along with 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This step lets the pasta soak up some of the delicious sauce, while the mozzarella starts melting into that cozy, cheesy texture we all crave for baked pasta dishes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and layer the top with thin slices of fresh mozzarella and the remaining shredded mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for about 5 more minutes. This final step lets the cheese turn golden brown and bubbly, giving you that irresistible crust that makes baked ziti such a treat.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a slice of baked pasta being lifted from a white dish on a white marbled surface. The pasta layers include rigatoni pasta coated in a meaty tomato sauce with ground meat, topped with melted white cheese that stretches as the slice is lifted. Small green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The pasta looks rich and saucy with a golden-brown baked crust visible in the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes over the top for a gentle kick, and don’t forget to scatter some fresh minced basil. The basil’s bright, herbal notes lighten up the dish, balancing the richness and adding that classic fresh Italian touch.

Side Dishes

This Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads featuring tangy vinaigrettes or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is a no-brainer too — perfect for sopping up every bit of sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this baked ziti in individual ramekins for personalized portions that look fancy but are easy to bake together. You can also layer it with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor and color, turning it into a more veggie-forward meal without losing any of the classic appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover baked ziti tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy this delicious meal without having to cook again.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked ziti before baking or after cooking. Just wrap it very well in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy nights or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat your baked ziti in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes if thawed or 40 minutes if frozen. Cover loosely with foil to keep the cheese moist, uncover near the end to crisp up the top. Microwave works too for a quick fix but won’t give you that lovely bubble on top.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sausage with ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a fantastic alternative if you prefer a milder taste. Just follow the same cooking steps and you’ll still get a hearty, delicious sauce.

Do I have to use fresh mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella adds wonderful creaminess and texture, you can make this recipe entirely with shredded mozzarella cheese if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses traditional pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can swap the ziti with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Use a rich marinara sauce, and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian baked ziti everyone will love.

How spicy is the dish?

The recipe itself is mild, but the optional red chili flakes sprinkled at serving bring a gentle heat that you can control. You can skip them entirely or add more if you like things spicy.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Sausage, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe really is one of those timeless dishes that brings people together. It’s easy to make, bursting with incredible flavor, and downright comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying, cozy meal that hits the spot every time. I encourage you to gather all these simple ingredients, pop this in the oven, and enjoy the magic that happens when rich sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese come together in perfect harmony.