Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
My family loves when I make baked ziti on Sunday evenings—the aroma fills our kitchen, and everyone eagerly gathers around for a delicious meal. I remember the first time I made it for a reunion: it disappeared within minutes!
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
- 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:
- 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. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook 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.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble Ziti:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. 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 with 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 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing baked ziti around our table makes any night feel special—everyone helps themselves and enjoys seconds. It's a dish that brings us all together and sparks laughter and stories.
Substitutions & Variations
Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables. You can also use different cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked ziti hot, paired with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine perfectly complements this meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides around 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein. Great for feeding a hungry crowd!
Save This baked ziti is always a hit at parties or family gatherings. Add your favorite vegetables or swap the proteins for a personalized touch.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is preferred for its tubular shape, which holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni can also be used.
- → Can I prepare the meat sauce in advance?
Yes, preparing the meat sauce a day ahead enhances the flavors and saves time on baking day.
- → How do I know when the baked dish is done?
Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top and ensure the casserole is heated through, usually after 35-40 minutes baking.
- → Are there lighter meat options for this dish?
Substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage offers a leaner alternative without compromising taste.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the hearty baked ziti, balancing the rich flavors.
- → Can the vegetables be added to the sauce?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated into the sauce for added texture and nutrition.