Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The first time I made baked ziti with meat sauce, it was for a Sunday family dinner. Everyone loved how each layer was bursting with flavor and gooey cheese.
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: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt: 1 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Ricotta cheese: 425 g (15 oz)
- Egg: 1 large
- Parmesan cheese (for ricotta mixture): 50 g (1/2 cup), grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Mozzarella cheese: 250 g (2 cups), shredded
- Parmesan cheese (for topping): 30 g (1/4 cup), grated
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.
- 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 Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up 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 (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, half of ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layering:
- Add remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, then top with remaining mozzarella and 1/4 cup 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.
Save 
Save Gathering around the table for baked ziti always brings out laughter and second helpings. It's a go-to comfort meal we cherish for weeknight dinners and special celebrations.
Serving Ideas
Pair baked ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef or sausage if you prefer a lighter dish. Sautéed spinach or mushrooms add even more vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides approximately 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.
Save 
Save Enjoy each layer of flavor. Baked ziti with meat sauce is the epitome of comfort, ideal for sharing with loved ones.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or other short tubular pasta works well. Adjust cooking times for slight size differences.
- → How do I lighten the dish?
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef/sausage, and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- → Can it be assembled ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate covered, and bake when ready to serve.
- → What wines pair best?
Chianti or Sangiovese complement the pasta's rich flavors, but other reds work nicely, too.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave before serving.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze assembled or baked portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake until heated through.