Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I remember making this baked ziti for a chilly evening when my family craved something warm and filling. It quickly became our go-to when everyone gathered around the table, eager for those cheesy layers.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage: 400 g (14 oz), casings removed
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Ricotta cheese: 425 g (15 oz)
- Egg: 1 large
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), plus 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix ricotta filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well mixed.
- Layer ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, and half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering:
- Repeat with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and 30 g (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save My kids love helping layer the pasta and cheese, always racing to sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before it goes in the oven. It has become a family tradition for birthday celebrations and holiday dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese also complements the flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving. Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
Recipe Variations
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter option. Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms gives a tasty vegetable boost to the dish.
Save Baked ziti with meat sauce is a comforting classic that brings everyone together. Enjoy the melty cheese and hearty flavors for your next family meal.
Kitchen Guide
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce well. Penne or rigatoni can also be good alternatives.
- → Can I substitute the meats in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter outcome without losing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente and drain well before layering to maintain texture after baking.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
Dried oregano and basil add depth, but fresh parsley in the cheese mixture brightens the overall flavor.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes after baking. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the layers beforehand and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.