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.
The first time I made baked ziti with meat sauce, my kitchen filled with nostalgic aromas reminding me of family celebrations growing up. It quickly became a regular request; every bite is a hug in casserole form.
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 Baking 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, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 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 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer and Assemble:
- 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: 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 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Save to Pinterest Sharing baked ziti at our Sunday table is a highlight for everyone. The bubbling cheese and robust sauce always brings a smile to our family's faces.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the richness. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese makes a cozy meal even more inviting.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage. Add baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Baked ziti can be assembled up to a day in advance and baked straight from the fridge. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheat beautifully.
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Save to Pinterest This baked ziti is guaranteed to please and makes weeknight cooking feel like a celebration. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make baked ziti lighter?
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage, and add extra vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
It combines ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a creamy and gooey texture throughout.
- → Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready. Refrigerate until baking to maintain freshness.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables and use a vegetarian-friendly tomato sauce for a meatless version.
- → What sides work best?
Crisp green salad and garlic bread are classic choices, along with Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese.
- → How do I prevent soggy pasta?
Cook the ziti al dente and ensure sauce is simmered until slightly thickened for optimal texture.