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 this baked ziti for a Sunday dinner when we had extra family visiting. Everyone loved how the layers of cheese and savory meat sauce melded with the pasta. Even the leftovers disappeared fast!
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb), cooked until al dente
- 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
- 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 until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in beef and sausage, breaking up meat. Cook until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain fat if necessary. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered 10 to 15 minutes, stirring. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 50 g Parmesan, and parsley.
- Layer and Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish. Layer half the ziti, half the ricotta mixture, half the meat sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add remaining ziti, ricotta, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and 30 g Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Save My kids love helping layer the pasta and cheese. This recipe is a staple for potlucks and brings back memories of cozy family gatherings at our table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
Recipe Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra vegetables. Gluten-free or vegetarian versions adapt well.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep in the fridge 3 days and reheat well in the oven. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
Save This baked ziti with meat sauce is hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy warm, comforting pasta any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce well and complements the layered structure.
- → Can I substitute the meat with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef and sausage for a lighter variation while maintaining flavor.
- → How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?
Layering mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly and baking uncovered towards the end helps achieve a bubbly, golden top.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated into the layers to add flavor and nutrition.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Robust red wines such as Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich meat sauce and cheeses beautifully.