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.
Baked ziti holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation—the scent of the bubbling cheese and savory meat sauce always brings my family to the kitchen for a bite. Even picky eaters never turn down a generous helping of this pasta bake.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- 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: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- 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) + 30 g (1/4 cup)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
Instructions
- Prep 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, 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.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- 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 and Top:
- Repeat layers: 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Serving baked ziti for Sunday dinner always brings everyone together, whether family or friends. There's something about sharing a cheesy slice that instantly warms the room.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 39 g.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or sausage for a lighter version. Sautéed spinach or mushrooms provide added nutrition and flavor. Serve with salad and garlic bread for a balanced meal.
Save to Pinterest Baked ziti is always best enjoyed fresh from the oven with plenty of crusty bread. Your family will request this comforting classic time and again!
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works well due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce and cheese nicely.
- → Can I substitute the meats used?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter alternative.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Use enough sauce and cover with foil during the initial baking to retain moisture before uncovering to brown the cheese.
- → What cheeses are layered inside?
A mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella creates creamy, flavorful layers.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking. Adjust baking time if baking from cold.