There’s something magical about digging into a bubbling dish of baked ziti with three cheeses and sausage after a long day. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table without being asked twice. This recipe became my go-to comfort food back in college when my roommate’s Italian grandmother taught us her version – the smell alone would bring neighbors knocking at our dorm room door!
What makes this baked ziti special isn’t just the three-cheese combo (though let’s be honest, that’s heavenly). It’s how the sausage gets all crispy at the edges while staying juicy inside, how the ricotta makes every bite creamy, and how the top gets that perfect golden crust. I’ve made this for everything from potlucks to first dates (it worked – we’re married now!), and it never fails to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Sausage
This baked ziti recipe has stolen hearts for good reason – including mine! Here’s what makes it so special:
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying that cheesy goodness (and less time scrubbing pots)
- Crowd-pleaser magic: The three-cheese combo makes even picky eaters come back for seconds
- Weeknight lifesaver: Ready in under an hour, but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
- Flavor bomb: That crispy sausage and gooey cheese crust? Pure comfort food perfection
- Leftover hero: Tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left!)
Trust me – this is the baked ziti recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat! You can find more amazing recipes on our sitemap.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Sausage
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece – I promise it’s worth every single ingredient!
- 1 lb ziti pasta (penne works great too if that’s what you have)
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (hot or mild – your call!)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred brand or homemade)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, packed (trust me, the extra fat makes it creamier)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (the pre-shredded kind works in a pinch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (freshly grated tastes best)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tsp dried basil (rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)
- ½ tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to make something truly magical. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably already have everything needed for this baked ziti – just grab:
- A large pot for boiling pasta (that ziti needs room to dance!)
- A skillet to brown that gorgeous sausage
- A 9×13 baking dish – the perfect vessel for cheesy goodness
- A big mixing bowl for combining everything
- A wooden spoon (or whatever you use to stir with love)
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just good old-fashioned kitchen basics.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Sausage
Okay friends, let’s dive into making this glorious baked ziti! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will have everyone begging for the recipe. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be serving up cheesy perfection in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first – get that oven preheating to 375°F. Now, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (I use about 1 tablespoon of salt for the water – it should taste like the sea). Add your ziti and cook it just until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. You want it slightly firm to the bite because it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain it well, but don’t rinse – that starchy coating helps the sauce cling to every noodle!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat up your skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the pan. Use your spoon to break it into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks – I like some bigger chunks for texture. Cook until it’s beautifully browned all over and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat (there’s plenty of richness coming from the cheeses, trust me).
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In your largest mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Now comes the fun part – mix it all together with gusto! You want every single noodle coated in that cheesy, saucy goodness. Don’t be gentle – really get in there and make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now top it with that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan – be generous! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and you’ve got those gorgeous golden brown spots forming on top. You’ll know it’s done when you see those little bubbles forming around the edges – that’s the cheese singing to you!
Here’s the hardest part – let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this resting time lets everything settle and makes serving so much easier. Then grab your fork and prepare for cheesy bliss!
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Sausage
Want to take your baked ziti from good to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!” level? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Ricotta matters: Whole milk ricotta makes the creamiest texture – don’t skimp!
- Undercook pasta: That ziti will keep cooking in the oven, so go al dente or even a minute less
- Rest time: Let it sit 5 minutes after baking – I know it’s hard, but it helps everything set
- Broiler finish: For extra browning, pop it under the broiler for 60 seconds at the end
- Fresh herbs: Toss some chopped basil on top right before serving for a fresh pop
Small touches make all the difference with this classic dish! For more recipe inspiration, check out Pinterest.
Variations of Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Sausage
This recipe is like your favorite pair of jeans – it fits perfectly as-is, but you can totally dress it up or down! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Meat swap: Try ground turkey, beef, or even veggie crumbles instead of sausage
- Pasta alternatives: Gluten-free ziti or whole wheat penne work great
- Cheese lovers: Add a handful of provolone or fontina to the mix
- Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, it’s still that same comforting baked ziti we all love!
Serving Suggestions
This baked ziti deserves all the best sides! I always serve it with garlic bread (for dunking in that cheesy sauce) and a simple green salad to balance the richness. Add a glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy – pure comfort food heaven!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! This baked ziti keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just cover it tightly. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes the pasta mushy) and use the oven instead – 350°F for about 20 minutes does the trick. Add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before reheating for that just-baked taste!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that you’ll care once you taste it!): Each serving of this baked ziti clocks in around 450 calories with 25g protein. Remember – nutrition varies based on ingredients and brands you use. But let’s be real – when cheese and sausage are involved, we’re here for the flavor, not the math!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! This is one of those magical dishes that freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until bubbly – about 30 minutes. Pro tip: Add a little extra sauce before freezing to keep it moist!
What’s the best substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a ricotta fan (or just ran out), cottage cheese works great in a pinch – just blend it smooth first. For a richer option, try mascarpone mixed with a bit of milk to thin it out. But trust me, the texture won’t be quite the same as good ol’ ricotta!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble it completely (just don’t bake it), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold. This makes it perfect for stress-free dinner parties!
Why does my baked ziti come out dry?
Oh no! Two quick fixes: Make sure your pasta is very al dente (it absorbs sauce while baking), and don’t skip the resting time after baking – those juices need to redistribute. If it still seems dry next time, add an extra ½ cup of sauce to the mix before baking.