Hearty Baked Ziti With Ricotta Cheese and Sausage

Baked Ziti are a rich and delicious main dish, ideal for serving on Sunday lunch. It is a timbale prepared with ziti, a long and tubular pasta shape from Campania, which pairs perfectly with meat sauces: the dish has several regional variations, especially widespread between Campania and Calabria, which differ mainly in the seasoning chosen.

In our recipe, the sausages are peeled, crumbled and formed into many meatballs, which are browned in a pan with a base of oil and onion, tomato puree is added and everything is cooked over low heat. The ziti, once broken and boiled, are arranged in layers in a baking dish with the sauce, parmesan cheese to taste, cubes of well-dried mozzarella , ricotta and fresh basil.

The passage in the oven gives us a stringy dish, with an irresistible crunchy crust on the surface, that will conquer your guests.

What Are Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti, a beloved Italian-American comfort dish, traces its origins to the heart of Southern Italy, where pasta al forno (oven-baked pasta) has been a staple for centuries. Rooted in traditions of using simple, hearty ingredients—pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat—baked ziti evolved as an easy-to-make yet deeply satisfying meal. As Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their culinary heritage with them, adapting recipes based on available ingredients.

Over time, baked ziti became a cherished dish in Italian-American households, particularly in the Northeast, where large Sunday family gatherings often featured bubbling trays of pasta fresh from the oven. Today, the love for baked ziti extends beyond Italian communities, especially during the Super Bowl season in states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Its ease of preparation, ability to feed a crowd, and rich, indulgent flavors make it a game-day favorite, often appearing alongside classics like wings and nachos.

What's The Difference Between Baked Ziti and Lasagna?

Baked ziti is made with tubular pasta (ziti) mixed with sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat, then baked in a casserole dish. It's a less structured, scoop-and-serve dish with a gooey, cheesy texture.

Lasagna, on the other hand, is layered with flat pasta sheets, ricotta or béchamel, sauce, and cheese, creating a more structured, sliceable dish. While both are oven-baked and share similar ingredients, lasagna requires careful layering, whereas baked ziti is more of a tossed, one-pan meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

• For a perfect result, the pasta must be cooked to perfection: to avoid overcooking the ziti and thus obtaining an unpleasant "sticky effect", remember to drain them a few minutes before the time indicated on the package. 
• We diluted the ricotta in a bowl with a drizzle of oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a few chopped basil leaves, but if you prefer, you can put it directly in tufts on the pasta: the important thing is to let it drain well from the whey, placing it in a fine mesh strainer and keeping it in the fridge for an hour.
• Before bringing it to the table, we recommend that you let it settle for at least a quarter of an hour: in this way the flavors will harmonize perfectly and it will also be easier to divide it into portions.

Should I Put an Egg in Baked Ziti?

Adding eggs to baked ziti is optional but can help bind the cheese mixture, especially if using ricotta. Mixing an egg with ricotta creates a firmer texture, preventing the cheese from becoming too runny when baked. However, if you prefer a creamier consistency, you can skip the egg and just mix ricotta with mozzarella and parmesan. It ultimately depends on your texture preference!

What Else Can I Use For These Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is super versatile, and you can customize it with delicious add-ins! For a meaty version, try adding Italian sausage, ground beef, or pancetta for extra flavor. If you love veggies, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions. Want a creamy twist? Mix in a little béchamel or Alfredo sauce. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage. And for extra cheesiness, swap ricotta for burrata or add provolone for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless!

What Temperature Should I Bake Ziti At?

Baked ziti should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set!

Should I Cover Ziti When Baking Them?

Yes, baked ziti should be covered with foil for the first 20-30 minutes to keep it from drying out. Then, uncover it for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown and get bubbly. This ensures a creamy inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crispy top!

Can Baked Ziti Be Made Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Baked ziti can be made vegetarian by skipping the meat and using a rich tomato sauce with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for a cheesy, satisfying dish. For extra protein, try adding lentils or plant-based sausage!

What Can I Serve With Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, bruschetta, or a side of sautéed spinach. For a heartier spread, add meatballs or Italian sausage. And don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water to complete the meal!

Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

Yes! Baked ziti can be made ahead of time by assembling it, covering it tightly, and storing it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Do Baked Ziti Freeze Well?

They do, but only if you used fresh ingredients! You can freeze the timbale, tightly wrapped in cling film, after cooking. The tomato sauce with pork meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to Store Baked Ziti

Baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly closed in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Remove the casing and crumble the sausage.

Shape the meatballs and coat them in flour.

Wilt the finely chopped onion in a generous drizzle of oil, then add the meatballs and let them brown over a high heat.

Pour the tomato puree, bring it to the boil, lower the heat and leave to cook for 40 minutes, covering the pan with a lid.

When the tomato sauce is thick and reduced, season with salt and flavor with fresh basil.

Let it reduce for a few more minutes on high heat, then turn off the heat and set aside.

Break the ziti into 3 parts and boil them in salted boiling water, draining them when still very al dente.

Mix the ricotta cheese with a drizzle of oil, a spoonful of pasta cooking water, salt, pepper and chopped basil.

Place the ziti in a large bowl and season with 2 or 3 ladles of sauce.

Add a handful of parmesan and a handful of mozzarella, cut into cubes.

Spread half of the ziti thus seasoned in a 7x9inch. baking pan.

Cover them with mozzarella, spoonfuls of ricotta, the parmesan and a few more ladles of sauce.

Layer the remaining ziti.

Complete with other ricotta flakes, mozzarella, sauce and meatballs.

Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese and bake in a static oven preheated to 390°F/200°C for 30 minutes. When a golden crust has formed, remove the ziti from the oven and let them settle for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!