Pin it A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
As a fan of classic Italian-American dishes, baked ziti has always been a staple at our family gatherings. The combination of hearty meat sauce and creamy cheese makes it a favorite among both adults and kids.
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 Oven:
- 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, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 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 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 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin it I love sharing this baked ziti at family Sunday dinners. Everyone gathers around the table, eagerly waiting for that first gooey, cheesy scoop, and there are always requests for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the ziti up to one day in advance and bake just before serving. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Swap ground beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for more vegetables.
Pin it Enjoy this satisfying, cheesy baked ziti with loved ones. It's the perfect dish for sharing at any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works well due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce and cheese nicely through the layers.
- → Can I substitute the meats used in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter version without losing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out during baking?
Layering sauces and cheeses evenly and covering with foil initially helps retain moisture; remove foil near the end for a golden top.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the sauce?
Dried oregano and basil provide classic flavor, but fresh herbs can be added for a brighter taste if desired.
- → What side dishes pair well with baked ziti?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the richness and balance this comforting dish nicely.