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 have made baked ziti for countless family gatherings and it never fails to bring everyone together around the table. The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sauce fills the kitchen with warmth, making each meal memorable.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- 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
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz)
- 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
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup) grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups) shredded
- Additional Parmesan cheese: 30 g (1/4 cup) grated
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the 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 the 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 Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- 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 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 Sharing this dish during our Sunday family meals is a tradition. Its rich layers and savory aroma always spark smiles and conversations around the table.
Required Tools
You'll need a large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, and foil for the perfect baked ziti every time.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. If you have dietary restrictions, double-check packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your needs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides roughly 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein, making baked ziti a satisfying main dish for any occasion.
Save Enjoy this baked ziti warm with your favorite sides. It's a wonderful make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape which holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni can be good substitutes.
- → Can I use other meats instead of beef and sausage?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the sauce is sufficiently moist and cover with foil during the initial baking to retain moisture, removing foil near the end to brown the cheese.
- → What herbs enhance the meat sauce flavor?
Dried oregano and basil are traditional choices that complement the rich meat and tomato base beautifully.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.