Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
This baked ziti recipe brings back memories of cozy Sunday dinners with the aroma of bubbling cheese filling the kitchen. It's been a family favorite for years, especially when we're craving something filling and warm.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage, casings removed: 400 g (14 oz)
- 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
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), plus 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & 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.
- Cook 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 Meats:
- 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 & Add Topping:
- 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 We love serving this for family get-togethers because everyone can dig right in and there's always plenty to go around.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad and slices of warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-American meal.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, and pork. Check ingredient labels if accommodating gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
Make-Ahead Tips
Baked ziti can be fully assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, or frozen before baking for up to 2 months. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Save This baked ziti will be the star of your table. Leftovers are even better the next day!
Kitchen Q&A
- → What type of pasta is best suited for this dish?
Ziti pasta works well due to its sturdy tube shape that holds sauce and cheese layers perfectly during baking.
- → Can I substitute the meat for a lighter option?
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter, leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cooking the pasta al dente before layering ensures it remains firm and the final dish holds its texture well after baking.
- → What are good additions for extra vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be mixed in with the sauce or layered to add more nutrients and flavor complexity.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Allowing the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread, with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the flavors.