Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
When I crave hearty comfort food, baked ziti is always a favorite in my kitchen. The aroma of simmering meat sauce and bubbling cheese brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Meat Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 500 g (1 lb) ground beef, 400 g (14 oz) Italian sausage (casings removed), 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cheese Mixture: 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- For Assembly: 250 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Baking 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 to 4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through (about 6 to 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 to 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: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and 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 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save 
Save This dish is always requested at our family gatherings. Everyone loves scooping out cheesy servings straight from the bubbling pan.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Try serving it with Chianti for an authentic Italian-American experience.
Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble baked ziti in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers reheat well for easy weeknight meals.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein.
Save 
Save Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone together. This baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite.
Kitchen Guide
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its hollow shape, which holds sauce and cheese well, but penne or rigatoni can also be used as substitutes.
- → Can I use different meats in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out during baking?
Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown nicely.
- → What herbs enhance the meat sauce flavor?
Dried oregano and basil provide classic Italian flavors, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat if desired.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding extra time if coming straight from the fridge.