Save Pin A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I first made this baked ziti for a casual Sunday gathering, and it quickly became a family favorite. The blend of cheeses and the savory meat sauce always brings everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb), cooked until al dente
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for sautéing
- 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
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup) grated, plus 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups) shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish:
- 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.
- Make Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add 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, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well blended.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Spread thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer half of cooked ziti, half of ricotta mixture, and half of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and 30 g grated 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 casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Pin Every time we share baked ziti at family dinners, it brings back cozy memories around the table. There's always laughter and a request to save a pan for later.
Serving Suggestions
Pair baked ziti with a crisp green salad and homemade garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Swaps
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Wine Pairing
Baked ziti is delicious with Italian red wines such as Chianti or Sangiovese which help complement the rich flavors.
Save Pin This baked ziti with meat sauce is guaranteed to please and perfect for make-ahead meals. Enjoy the irresistible cheesy and savory layers at any gathering!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute different meats in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef and sausage for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I ensure the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes, then drain to prevent overcooking during baking.
- → What cheese combinations work best for this dish?
A mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese adds creamy texture, gooey melt, and savory depth to the casserole.
- → Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms boosts flavor and nutrition, blending well into the meat sauce layers.
- → What wine pairs well with this baked dish?
Chianti or Sangiovese wines complement the rich tomato and meat flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.