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 first made baked ziti with meat sauce for my family on a chilly weeknight, and everyone loved how satisfying and flavorful it was. This dish quickly became a go-to for busy evenings and special occasions alike.
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 & Prep 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 more. Add ground beef and sausage, and cook 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. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer in Baking Dish:
- 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 & Add Cheese:
- Repeat layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake & Finish:
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save We love gathering around the table for baked ziti nights, sharing laughter and savoring every gooey bite—it's always a crowd pleaser at birthdays and reunions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-American meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra veggies.
Pairing Recommendations
This pasta casserole pairs perfectly with Chianti or Sangiovese if you enjoy wine; sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.
Save Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite—baked ziti is always best shared with family and friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti pasta is optimal due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni can be good substitutes.
- → How can I make the meat sauce more flavorful?
Cooking onions and garlic until softened, using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, and simmering with herbs like oregano and basil deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assembling the layers in advance and refrigerating allows flavors to meld; bake just before serving for best results.
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
A creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese provides rich textures and cheesy layers throughout the bake.
- → Are there variations to lighten the dish?
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/sausage and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to reduce richness and add nutrition.