Pin 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 on a chilly weekend when our extended family stopped by unexpectedly. The warm aroma and cheesy layers disappeared in minutes—a testament to its all-ages appeal.
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 and baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Boil 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. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and sausage; cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the cheese filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. 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 with 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 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin 
Pin My kids love helping with the layering and mozzarella sprinkling before it goes into the oven. This recipe has become a tradition on birthdays and cozy Sunday dinners.
Make Ahead & Storing
You can assemble baked ziti a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh for guests. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be portioned and frozen for easy future meals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair baked ziti with a crisp green salad topped with vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread. A robust red wine like Chianti complements the dish beautifully.
Variations
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage to lighten it up. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for extra veggies and flavor.
Pin 
Pin Baked ziti with meat sauce brings comfort and togetherness around the table. A slice of this savory classic never fails to please everyone from kids to guests.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well in place of ziti; both hold meat sauce and cheese nicely.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the pasta al dente, as it will finish cooking while baking in the oven with the sauce.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for fresh, hot results.
- → What vegetables can I add for variety?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great options to blend into the meat or cheese layer.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives; check labels for suitable swaps.
- → What wines pair best with this dish?
Try hearty reds like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato sauce and cheeses.