Pin this A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
This recipe always brings back memories of laughter around the dinner table, with everyone reaching for seconds of the cheesy baked ziti.
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
- 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, 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 as desired.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ziti:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of ricotta mixture, half of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add 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.
Pin this When we have a big family gathering, this baked ziti ends up disappearing before anyone can ask for seconds, always leaving happy smiles around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy alongside a glass of Chianti for a touch of Italian flair.
Allergen Info
This dish contains wheat from pasta, dairy from cheeses, egg, and pork from sausage. Always check product labels if substituting ingredients for gluten- or dairy-free needs.
Nutrition
Each serving provides about 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.
Pin this Baked ziti is even better the next day, as flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy every comforting bite with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is traditional due to its tubular shape that holds sauces well, but penne or rigatoni can be good substitutes.
- → Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter flavor while still maintaining richness.
- → How do I know when the pasta is cooked properly?
Cook the pasta until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still firm when bitten, usually about 8 minutes.
- → What cheeses are used in this layered dish?
The dish combines creamy ricotta mixed with Parmesan and fresh parsley inside, topped with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan for a bubbly crust.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, which can help flavors meld beautifully.
- → Are there ways to add vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated into the meat sauce or layered with the cheeses for added nutrition and flavor.