Save 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 made baked ziti with meat sauce for a Sunday dinner. The aroma filled the house, and everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager for a taste of this bubbling casserole fresh from the oven.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- 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 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, 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.
- 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 Layers:
- Repeat with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and 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.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save This baked ziti quickly became our go-to meal for cozy gatherings and special occasions. It's one of those recipes that everyone asks for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap out beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bake. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a tasty veggie boost.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Save This classic baked ziti will be a hit with your loved ones. Make it ahead and enjoy easy, satisfying dinners all week!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works perfectly due to its tubular shape, allowing it to hold the rich meat sauce and cheese layers well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the meats used in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I know when the dish is done baking?
Bake until the cheese is bubbling and has a golden brown color, usually around 35–40 minutes total.
- → Are there ways to add vegetables to the casserole?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies can be added to the sauce or layered into the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → What wines pair well with this meal?
Chianti or Sangiovese wines complement the rich meat sauce and cheese flavors beautifully.