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 remember making this Baked Ziti the first time for a cozy Sunday dinner. The kitchen filled with the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce, and everyone asked for seconds.
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
- Crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz), canned
- 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
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), grated (plus 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups), shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and 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 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up meat, and cook 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 if desired.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, 50 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, and half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and 30 g (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save This dish has become a staple at our family celebrations, always disappearing quickly from the table and sparking lively conversation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American meal. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine makes the dinner even more special.
Ingredient Swaps
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to sneak in some extra vegetables.
Nutrition Information
With 670 calories, 31 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein per serving, this casserole is satisfying and filling. Adjust portions for lighter meals as needed.
Save Enjoy the comfort of this classic baked ziti at your next mealtime gathering. Leftovers reheat beautifully—perfect for busy weeknights!
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What pasta is ideal for this dish?
Ziti pasta is preferred for its tubular shape, which holds sauces well and bakes evenly in casseroles.
- → Can I substitute the meats used?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter variation without compromising flavor.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks perfectly?
Cook ziti until al dente in salted boiling water to prevent overcooking during baking.
- → What cheeses are involved in the layering?
A creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses creates a rich texture and golden topping.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutritional balance.
- → How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.