Save to Pinterest 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 served this to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a beloved classic we return to often.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Add ground beef and sausage. Cook breaking up meat until browned and cooked through about 6 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 5:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes tomato paste oregano basil red pepper flakes (if using) salt and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Step 6:
- In a bowl mix ricotta cheese egg Parmesan cheese and parsley until well combined.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- Repeat layers remaining ziti ricotta mixture meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 9:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 10:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/sausage for a lighter version Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread Pairs well with Chianti or Sangiovese wine
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Mixing bowls 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish Foil
Allergen Information
Always check labels for gluten or dairy if using alternative ingredients
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti is a family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce well and bakes evenly.
- → Can I use different meats in the sauce?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamy texture in the layers?
Mixing ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and parsley creates a smooth, creamy layer that complements the pasta and sauce.
- → Is it necessary to drain excess fat from the cooked meat?
Draining excess fat helps prevent the dish from becoming too greasy and keeps the flavors balanced.
- → How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Allow the baked dish to rest for about 10 minutes to let the layers set and make serving easier.