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 the first time I made baked ziti—everyone went back for seconds, and the kitchen smelled wonderful all day. This dish quickly became my go-to for both casual weekends and festive occasions, because it always brings comfort and plenty of smiles.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb), uncooked
- 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
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), grated; and 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups), shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook the 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 the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 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 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare cheese mixture:
- Mix ricotta cheese, egg, 50 g Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a bowl until well combined.
- Layer the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and 30 g Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Baked ziti is the centerpiece of our Sunday meals—we all gather around the table, sharing slices and stories. It even tastes better the next day, which means plenty of leftovers for everyone to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlicky bread for a complete, satisfying meal. For beverages, Chianti or Sangiovese wine complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
Nutrition
Each serving provides approximately 670 calories, with 31 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein—great for a filling main dish.
Ingredient Variations
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables, or replace the beef and sausage with ground poultry for a lighter option.
Save This baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser every time. Make extra—you'll appreciate leftovers for easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the ziti until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes, and drain well before layering. This helps maintain texture during baking.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
- → What cheeses are best for layering?
Ricotta mixed with egg and Parmesan creates a creamy layer, while shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan on top provide melty, golden coverage.
- → How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce or layered within the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich meat sauce and cheese beautifully.