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 for a Sunday family dinner, and it instantly became a requested favorite. The bubbling cheese and savory aroma always bring everyone to the table with excitement!
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage: 400 g (14 oz), casings removed
- 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 & 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 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown the 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.
- Make meat 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.
- Prepare cheese mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer & assemble:
- 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, and 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 & serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Nothing brings my family together like pulling a bubbling ziti from the oven and sharing stories around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Allergen & Dietary Information
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (cheeses), egg, and pork. If allergies or dietary preferences require, check all ingredient labels and opt for alternative versions as needed.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover baked ziti can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Save This baked ziti is guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite for cozy nights or sharing with friends.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese layers well.
- → Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente and drain thoroughly before layering to maintain texture during baking.
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful layering.
- → Can I add vegetables to this baked ziti?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated to add extra flavor and nutrition.