Pin it 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 baked ziti with meat sauce for a weekend dinner when we had extra guests: everyone loved how cheesy and flavorful it was, and there were barely any leftovers to save.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage (casings removed): 400 g (14 oz)
- 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)
- Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 30 g (1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook Ziti:
- 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, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Meat:
- Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers:
- Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin it Baked ziti became a favorite at our family reunions: we'd all gather around the table and dig in as the cheese stretched from slice to slice, always followed by laughter and good conversation.
Recommended Sides
Serve baked ziti alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal.
Wine Pairings
This casserole pairs beautifully with Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese, complementing the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Each serving contains approximately 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein. Remember to check food labels for gluten or dairy if substituting ingredients.
Pin it This baked ziti is both crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare ahead. Share it for gatherings, and enjoy those cheesy layers in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the meat used in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
- → How can I ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente and drain thoroughly before layering to avoid excess moisture.
- → Are there options to add vegetables to the dish?
Try mixing in sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the sauce or cheese mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- → What is the best way to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping?
Remove the foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt fully and brown nicely.