Save 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 my first time making baked ziti for a cozy Sunday dinner, and everyone loved how gooey and flavorful it turned out. It's been a go-to comfort dish for our family ever since, especially when we want something hearty that brings everyone to 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
- Prepare Baking 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.
- Make Meat Sauce:
- 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. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Simmer Sauce:
- 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.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- 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 & Top:
- 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 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Save Every time we serve this baked ziti, it sparks fun conversations and laughter around the dinner table. It's one of those recipes that everyone, from kids to grandparents, enjoys together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, and pork (Italian sausage)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 39 g
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Save This comforting baked ziti is both a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare. Make it ahead for hassle-free family gatherings or meal prep!
Cooking Guide
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the ziti until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This helps maintain firmness through baking.
- → Can I substitute the meats used in this dish?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and Italian sausage for a lighter flavor while retaining moisture and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for a creamy texture?
A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful layering effect throughout the casserole.
- → How should I adjust seasoning for a spicier version?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for an extra kick.
- → Can vegetables be added to enhance the dish?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed into the layered filling to add depth and nutritional value.