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 at a potluck and everyone kept coming back for seconds. Since then, it's landed on our table for both weeknight dinners and holidays—so simple, yet impressively flavorful.
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.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- 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 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.
- 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:
- Repeat layers with 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.
Save This baked ziti is often at the center of our family celebrations, with everyone rushing to grab their favorite cheesy corner piece.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, baking dish, and foil are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. For special diets, check food labels or use suitable substitutes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories, 31 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein.
Save Reheat leftovers for quick weeknight comfort or freeze individual portions for future meals.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter variation while maintaining great flavor.
- → What type of pasta works best for this baked dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its shape and texture which hold the sauce well, but penne or rigatoni are good alternatives.
- → How do I know when the baked pasta is done?
Look for bubbly melted cheese on top and golden brown edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for best results.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be incorporated into the sauce or layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What wines pair well with baked ziti and meat sauce?
Chianti and Sangiovese wines complement the rich meat sauce and melted cheeses perfectly, enhancing the meal’s Italian-American character.