Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table for a warm family dinner or festive gathering.
When I first made baked ziti with meat sauce for my family, the bubbling cheese and fragrant aroma had everyone hovering near the kitchen. It quickly became a regular request for both busy weeknights and special weekends.
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.
- Saute aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 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 to 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 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Make Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer 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:
- Add 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 and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save This comforting dish is always a crowd-pleaser at our family gatherings—everyone swoops in for seconds and there are rarely any leftovers to save.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, and foil will help put this classic casserole together easily.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 39 g.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. It also pairs well with Chianti or Sangiovese wine.
Save Baked ziti with meat sauce is sure to become a star on your dinner table. Leftovers taste fantastic the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Recipe Guide
- → How do you achieve the best texture for the pasta?
Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes, to ensure it holds shape without becoming mushy during baking.
- → Can I use different types of meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can substitute beef and sausage for a lighter variation while maintaining rich flavor.
- → What cheeses are ideal for layering in baked ziti?
Combining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, gooey, and flavorful layering that enhances the dish.
- → How do the herbs affect the flavor profile?
Oregano and basil add classic Italian herbal notes that deepen the savory tomato and meat sauce flavors.
- → Is it important to let the dish rest after baking?
Allowing the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes serving easier, with improved texture.