Pin 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 was one of the first dishes I learned to cook for a crowd. The bubbling cheese and aroma always made my kitchen feel cozy and welcoming, especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathered around 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
- Preheat & Prepare:
- 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 1 minute more. 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.
- Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer:
- 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, 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin This dish brings everyone together—it's become a tradition at our family get-togethers, with seconds always requested and everyone pitching in to help serve.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Baked Ziti alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese for an authentic Italian-American dinner experience.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. Always check your ingredient labels if you are serving guests with allergies.
Pin Give your casserole a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving for more flavor. Enjoy the leftovers reheated—the taste gets even better!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute different pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as alternatives to ziti while retaining the casserole's structure.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage, and consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- → Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta?
Yes, cooking pasta al dente ensures it maintains texture during baking and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- → What cheeses are ideal for layering?
A combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella provides creaminess, flavor depth, and a golden, bubbly topping.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready; just add extra baking time if refrigerated cold.