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 with meat sauce, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and melting cheese filled the kitchen. Everyone kept peeking into the oven, waiting impatiently for that golden-bubbly top to signal it was finally ready.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage (casings removed): 400 g (14 oz)
- 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
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): 30 g (1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and baking dish:
- 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 until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, then add garlic for 1 minute.
- Brown the meat:
- Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain fat if needed.
- Simmer sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Make cheese mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until combined.
- First layer:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish. Add half the cooked ziti, half ricotta mixture, and half meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
- Second layer & topping:
- Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save 
Save It's always a treat when my family gathers around the table for baked ziti night, laughter mixing with the irresistible scent of cheesy pasta straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a classic Italian-American meal. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese is the perfect companion.
Variations
Swap beef/sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.
Save 
Save Enjoy this baked ziti as a heartwarming centerpiece for any gathering—be sure to save leftovers for a delicious encore the next day.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well and hold sauce similarly to ziti, maintaining texture and flavor.
- → What cheese alternatives are recommended?
Cottage cheese can replace ricotta, and provolone or fontina may substitute mozzarella to vary taste.
- → How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetable option.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead?
Prepare the casserole up to baking, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready to serve for best results.
- → What side dishes complement it?
Pair with green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Italian wines like Chianti match flavors well.
- → Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble unbaked, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as directed for a convenient meal.