Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
My family always looks forward to baked ziti night because its bubbling cheese and savory sauce fill the house with the most mouthwatering aroma. I first learned this recipe from my Italian-American neighbor, and now it's our go-to comfort food for easy, cozy nights.
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
- Prep Oven & 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.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown Meat:
- Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 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 to 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 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 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save Gathering around the table with a big pan of baked ziti lets everyone dig in and serve themselves, making every dinner feel warm and welcoming.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm baking dish, foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, and pork (sausage). Always check labels for gluten or dairy if using alternative ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 39 g
Save This classic casserole comes together easily and is sure to become a favorite whenever you want hearty pasta comfort.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese layers well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Covering with foil during part of the baking time helps retain moisture, ensuring a juicy and tender casserole.
- → What cheeses are used in the layering?
Ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella provide creamy, tangy, and gooey textures throughout the bake.
- → Can vegetables be added to this dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be incorporated for extra flavor and nutrition without overpowering the sauce.
- → What herbs enhance the meat sauce?
Dried oregano and basil add classic Italian aromas, balanced with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes.