Save to Pinterest 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 the first time I prepared baked ziti with meat sauce for my family. The bubbling layers and savory aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone was eager for a taste.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Meat Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 500 g (1 lb) ground beef, 400 g (14 oz) Italian sausage (casings removed), 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cheese Mixture: 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- For Assembly: 250 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and 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.
- Make 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. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking and breaking up meat until browned about 6–8 minutes. Drain fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until combined.
- Layer and Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish. Layer half of ziti, half of ricotta mixture, and half of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest:
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing baked ziti brings our family together around the dinner table. It's a tradition that makes weeknights feel like a celebration.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 39 g
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/sausage for a lighter version. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables. Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Pairs well with Chianti or Sangiovese wine.
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti will soon become a staple comfort food in your home. Enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal as it holds sauce well and bakes evenly in layers.
- → Can I substitute the meats used?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Use enough sauce layers between the pasta and cover loosely with foil during baking to retain moisture.
- → What cheeses enhance the flavor?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates creamy, melted layers with savory depth.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms complements the meat sauce and adds extra texture and nutrients.