Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

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.

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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

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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.