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 remember making baked ziti for the first time when I needed a dish that would bring everyone together. The aroma and bubbling cheese always mean something special for my family.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage: 400 g (14 oz), casings removed
- 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), plus 30 g (1/4 cup) for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- 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.
- Cook 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 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix cheese filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers:
- 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:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin This ziti is a favorite for weekend gatherings when my extended family comes over. Kids especially love scooping out cheesy servings straight from the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a crisp green salad. For an elevated meal, serve alongside a robust red wine like Chianti.
Substitutions & Add-ins
Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish, or mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Info
Each serving delivers about 670 calories, 31 g fat, 57 g carbs, and 39 g protein, making it a generous meal for active families.
Pin Bake this ziti for any occasion and enjoy the rich flavors with those you treasure. The cheesy layers and aromatic meat sauce always make it a hit.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works best due to its tubular shape, allowing it to hold the sauce and cheese layers well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How long should I bake the casserole?
Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- → What cheeses are used in the layers?
A mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy, flavorful topping.
- → Can vegetables be added to the dish?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated for extra texture and nutrition.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
Chianti or Sangiovese wines complement the meaty sauce and cheese flavors beautifully.
