Best 8 Simple Sausage Baked Ziti Only 5 Ingredients Recipes

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In pursuit of a delectable meal both effortless and rich in flavor, look no further than our exploration of simple sausage baked ziti, a culinary delight comprised of a mere five essential ingredients. From the savory zest of Italian sausage to the creamy indulgence of ricotta cheese, every bite promises an exquisite balance of flavors. This culinary expedition will guide you through the process of assembling this masterpiece, promising a delectable dish that will tantalize taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This bubbling baked ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it freezes well too.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ziti noodles
1.5 lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package directions for very al dente, about 7 minutes. (It will continue to cook in the oven so you want to undercook it just a bit.) Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and set the oven rack in the middle position.
  • Heat a large sauté pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and set over low heat (if you don't have enough fat in the pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil). Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar and red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cream, ⅓ cup of the pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Carefully pour the contents of the sauté pan into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half the remaining pecorino Romano. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and pecorino Romano. Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.
  • Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The dish can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance, or frozen for up to 3 months. (If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight.) Whether refrigerated or frozen and defrosted, bake, covered tightly with aluminum foil, in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the pasta is hot throughout.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613, Fat 38 g, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sugar 6 g, Fiber 3 g, Sodium 913 mg, Cholesterol 111 mg

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.

Provided by Ashley

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package dry ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 large yellow onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook and stir until brown, about 10 minutes. Drain sausage and set aside.
  • Stir together the ricotta, egg, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the drained pasta, the drained sausage, salt, pepper, and 1/2 jar of the spaghetti sauce; mix well.
  • In the prepared baking dish, cover the bottom with 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Then layer the remaining 1/2 of the pasta, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with basil. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover; return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 649.4 calories, Carbohydrate 68.9 g, Cholesterol 85.5 mg, Fat 27.4 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 1485.1 mg, Sugar 14.9 g

ROUND 2 RECIPE - SAUSAGE AND PEPPER BAKED ZITI



Round 2 Recipe - Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 46m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Cooking spray
1/2 (16-ounce) package ziti
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Reserved sausage and pepper skewers, from Sausage and Pepper recipe
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. It should be a little less than al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and saute until slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning and cook for another 5 minutes. Chop the reserved sausage and peppers and add them to the skillet to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the prepared baking pan. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
Two 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ziti
1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, grated
One 15-ounce tub whole-milk ricotta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned. Drain off almost all of the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove 3 to 4 cups of the cooked sauce to a bowl to cool down.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Cook the ziti until not quite al dente.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, mix 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs and some salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled reserved meat sauce and toss to combine.
  • Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta and the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
  • Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before sprinkling with chopped parsley to serve.

SIMPLE SAUSAGE BAKED ZITI - ONLY 5 INGREDIENTS



Simple Sausage Baked Ziti - Only 5 Ingredients image

This makes a great dinner that is rich and creamy. I like to use jimmy dean's sausage but any brand will work. One of our favorite go to meals for dinner.

Provided by lilypad722

Categories     Pork

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (i use prego chunky)
1 (14 ounce) jar alfredo sauce (i use classico's 4 cheese alfredo)
1 lb sausage
10 ounces ziti pasta (can use more if you like)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
water, for boiling

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Boil water to cook 10 oz. or a little more than half of a large box of ziti and cook til al dente then drain.
  • Brown and crumble the sausage and then add spaghetti sauce to the sausage to warm up.
  • In a 4-5 quart casserole dish pour in cooked ziti and top with alfredo sauce stirring to mix well.
  • Pour sausage and spaghetti sauce on top of the alfredo, but do not stir it together.
  • Cover with shredded mozzarella and bake for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 604.1, Fat 33.2, SaturatedFat 12.8, Cholesterol 73.3, Sodium 1406.2, Carbohydrate 49.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 10.1, Protein 25.5

5-INGREDIENT EASY BAKED ZITI



5-Ingredient Easy Baked Ziti image

Make and share this 5-Ingredient Easy Baked Ziti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by NancyB

Categories     Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

16 -20 ounces pasta, cooked and drained (ziti, rigatoni or penne)
45 ounces spaghetti sauce
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4 cups cheese, shredded (Mozzarella or italian blend)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta and drain.
  • Mix pasta, spaghetti sauce, cooked ground beef, Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of Mozzarella cheese well.
  • Spread mixture in a 9 x13 baking dish.
  • Top with remaining 2 cups of grated Mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese on top has melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 830, Fat 36.4, SaturatedFat 18.5, Cholesterol 109.3, Sodium 1381.9, Carbohydrate 79.2, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 12.3, Protein 44

NICOLE'S BEST BAKED ZITI



Nicole's Best Baked Ziti image

For Sunday suppers, team dinners, or dinner drop-offs for a friend in need, this crowd-pleasing baked ziti with sausage is hearty, rich, and flavorful. Perfectly baked pasta absorbs flavor from the tangy tomato sauce, contrasting beautifully with the creamy ricotta mixture. This budget-friendly meal tastes like you spent all day making it! Serve alongside crusty bread, an Italian salad, and a glass of red wine.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Categories     Ziti

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
¾ pound ground Italian sausage
¾ pound ground sirloin
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
½ cup water
1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 ½ (8 ounce) packages mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water and stir in pasta. Cook until just about tender to the bite, about 8 minutes (or 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions).
  • At the same time, heat a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and beef and cook, crumbling with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and pepper flakes; cook until onion is translucent and softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add about 1/2 cup marinara; toss to coat and let sit until needed.
  • Add remaining marinara sauce to the browned meat mixture. Pour 1/4 cup water into each jar, shake to release any leftover sauce in the jar, and pour into the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
  • Stir ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a bowl.
  • Add 2 cups meat sauce to the pasta; toss to coat.
  • Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add ½ of the pasta mixture and top with 2 cups meat sauce. Lightly dollop and spread ricotta mixture over the top and sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta mixture, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella on top. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 808.4 calories, Carbohydrate 70.2 g, Cholesterol 145.9 mg, Fat 37.2 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 1700.8 mg

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This recipe makes two pans of pasta. Serve one tonight, and keep the other in the freezer for up to three months.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup vodka (optional)
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes with juice, lightly crushed with hands
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound ziti
10 ounces baby spinach
12 ounces smoked chicken sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick
6 ounces fontina cheese, 4 ounces cut into 1/2-inch cubes and 2 ounces coarsely grated
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic. Remove from heat; add vodka, if desired. Return to heat; cook until almost evaporated, 1 minute.
  • Stir in tomatoes and oregano; cook until tomatoes are falling apart, 10 to 15 minutes. Add cream; cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta in the boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted. Drain, and return contents to pot.
  • Add tomato sauce, sausage, and cubed fontina to pot; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide evenly between two shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dishes.
  • Top with grated fontina and Parmesan. Bake until browned and edges are crisp, 20 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 483 g, Fat 19 g, Protein 24 g

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
  • Feel free to use any type of pasta sauce that you like.
  • If you don't have a large enough skillet, you can cook the sausage and pasta separately.
  • Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Sausage baked ziti is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's also a great way to use up leftover sausage. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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