Save to Pinterest A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I remember making this baked ziti for a Sunday family dinner and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The bubbling cheese and savory meat sauce always bring everyone to the table in anticipation.
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.
- Make Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 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 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley 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 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 to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around for baked ziti night, sharing stories and enjoying the cheesy layers together. It's always a hit with both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp green salad drizzled with Italian dressing and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage for a lighter taste. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Wine Pairing
Baked ziti goes perfectly with Chianti or Sangiovese, balancing the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti is a classic comfort food that brings everyone back for seconds. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy preparation!
Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is preferred for its tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese well, providing a satisfying texture.
- → Can I substitute the meats in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef and Italian sausage for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve a bubbly and golden cheese topping?
Baking uncovered for the final 15–20 minutes allows the mozzarella and Parmesan to melt thoroughly and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to the dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated into the layers or sauce to add extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
- → What wine pairs well with this baked ziti?
Wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich meat sauce and cheese, enhancing the dining experience.