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 baked ziti with meat sauce for my family. The kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes and melted cheese, and everyone eagerly waited around the table for that golden, bubbling casserole to emerge 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
- 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.
- Mix Cheese:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save My kids always ask for baked ziti on birthdays and special occasions—it's become our signature dish for big family gatherings, and there's never any leftovers!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), and egg. Contains pork (Italian sausage). Always check labels for gluten or dairy if using alternative ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670. Total Fat: 31 g. Carbohydrates: 57 g. Protein: 39 g.
Save Serve this hearty baked ziti with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Yes, substitute part-skim ricotta, or try provolone or Fontina for additional flavor profiles.
- → Is it possible to use other meats?
Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or a meatless mix can be used in place of beef and sausage.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and taste.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
- → What pasta alternatives work best?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal substitutes for ziti due to their similar size and texture.
- → How do I prevent dry pasta after baking?
Ensure enough sauce covers each pasta layer and avoid overbaking for moist results.