Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Baked Ziti has always been a favorite at our family dinners. I love how it brings everyone around the table, filling the room with the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich sauce.
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
- Crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz) canned
- 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) + 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
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.
- Start 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 ricotta:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese (50 g), and parsley until well combined.
- Layer ziti:
- 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 & top:
- Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (30 g).
- 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 & serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Everyone in my family lines up quickly when Baked Ziti comes out of the oven. It's a dish that always means laughter, second helpings, and happy memories at our dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and slices of warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-American comfort meal.
Variations
Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to include extra veggies, or make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein. Always double-check any ingredient substitutions for allergens.
Save This baked ziti with meat sauce is the kind of meal guaranteed to please a crowd. Enjoy straight out of the oven for ultimate comfort.
Common Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds the sauce well and retains texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meat?
Yes, using ground turkey or chicken offers a lighter alternative while maintaining flavor when combined with Italian herbs and spices.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the meat sauce or layered within the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → What cheese combination is used in this casserole?
A creamy mixture of ricotta, egg, and Parmesan is layered with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top to create a rich, melty texture.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Allowing the baked dish to rest for about 10 minutes helps it set, making it easier to cut and enhancing the overall texture.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, red pepper flakes are optional and can be added or omitted to suit personal heat preferences.