Baked ziti with sausage is a classic pasta dinner, ideal for busy weeknights.

A classic pasta bake for busy weeknights, our baked ziti with sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

And, trust us, it’s this homemade sausage meat sauce that really packs in the flavor.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage in the dish baked and ready to serve

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

The addition of pancetta, or cured pork belly, makes thismid-week casserolea meat lover’s dream.

If you haven’t used pancetta before, it’s the same thing asbaconjust without the smoke.

you’re able to usually find it in the deli at most supermarkets.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Good thing it’s ready in under an hour.

To make ahead, assemble the ziti as directed through Step 3.

Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to two days before baking as directed.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage ready to serve

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

you’ve got the option to also freeze unbaked ziti for up to three months.

Divide into smaller portions before freezing for quicker thawing.

package ground Italian sausage

1cupdry red wine

1(28-oz.)

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage preparing the pasta

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Prepare ziti according to package directions for al dente.

Cook meat sauce:

Meanwhile, cook pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes.

Add onion and garlic, and saute 3 minutes or until onion is tender.

Baked Ziti with Sausage making the sausage mixture

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Add sausage, and saute 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

Add wine, and cook 3 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and next 3 ingredients.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage stirring ricotta and cheese into pasta

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.

Assemble dish:

Stir ricotta and 1 cup mozzarella cheese into hot cooked pasta.

Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Southern Living Baked Ziti putting the pasta in the prepared dish

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Transfer pasta mixture to prepared dish.

Top with sausage mixture.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage assembling the pasta to bake

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Bake:

Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Baked ziti should be baked uncovered, allowing the top to brown lightly as the dish heats through.

Southern Living Baked Ziti with Sausage after baking ready to serve

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett