Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The first time I made baked ziti for my family, everyone loved how the layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta came together. It became one of our go-to choices for Sunday gatherings.
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 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. Stir in garlic for another minute. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and parsley until well blended.
- Assemble Layers:
- In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the 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 for 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing baked ziti with my extended family always sparks warm conversations, and there's never a piece left in the dish at the end of the night.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, baking dish, and foil are needed to make baked ziti properly.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. Always confirm ingredients if accommodating dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.
Save Baked ziti is at its very best warm from the oven. The leftovers are just as tasty for lunch the next day.
Common Questions
- → Can I use other pasta instead of ziti?
Yes, similar tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni works well, holding the sauce and cheeses effectively.
- → How can I lighten the meat sauce?
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage to reduce fat while maintaining flavor.
- → What cheese combinations work best for layering?
A mix of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella ensures creamy texture, sharpness, and a melty top crust.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms added to the sauce or layers enhance nutrition and flavor complexity.
- → How long should I let it rest before serving?
Letting the dish rest for about 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes serving easier.