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 this baked ziti for a Sunday family gathering, and everyone loved how cheesy and flavorful it was. It's since become my go-to for casual dinner parties or weeknight comfort food—even picky eaters come back for seconds!
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
- Prep Oven and Pan:
- 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 to 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 to 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 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- Mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a bowl until well combined.
- Assemble Layers:
- 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 and Top:
- 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 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save The bubbling cheese always brings everyone to the table and fills the house with a cozy aroma. My kids love digging into the crispy top with some garlic bread on the side.
Serving Ideas
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American meal. It also goes well with Chianti or Sangiovese if you like wine with dinner.
Make It Your Own
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the pasta layers for extra vegetables. Try mixing in a little extra pepper flakes if you want gentle heat.
Nutrition Info
Each serving has about 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein—great for a filling family meal.
Save This baked ziti is the kind of comfort food you will want to make again and again. Dig in while it's hot for the best cheesy, saucy experience!
Recipe Help
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tube shape that holds the sauce well and layers nicely in the casserole.
- → Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter flavor while keeping the sauce rich.
- → How do I achieve a golden cheese topping?
Bake uncovered during the last 15–20 minutes allowing the mozzarella and Parmesan to melt and brown attractively.
- → Are there optional ingredients to add more vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated into the layers for added flavor and nutrition.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
Chianti or Sangiovese wines complement the savory meat sauce and cheesy layers beautifully.