Baked Ziti Meat Sauce

A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

I started making baked ziti for Sunday dinners to satisfy my family's cravings for classic Italian comfort food. The inviting aroma as it bakes always brings everyone into the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the first cheesy, saucy serving.

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 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 3–4 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.

Make Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.

Layer Dish:

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 and Top:

Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and 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 and Serve:

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Gathering at the table for homemade baked ziti has become a treasured tradition for us. Even picky eaters go back for seconds whenever this hearty dish makes an appearance.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil.

Allergen Information

Pasta contains wheat. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan contain dairy. Egg and pork (Italian sausage) are present. Substitute gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients as needed.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 670, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 39 g

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Baked ziti with meat sauce is sure to become a favorite in your home. Don't forget to serve it with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Ziti pasta is preferred for its tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese blends well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

→ Can I substitute ground meats in the sauce?

Yes, you can swap beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.

→ What cheeses are used in this preparation?

The dish combines creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella to provide a rich and melting texture.

→ How do I achieve a bubbly and golden cheese topping?

Baking uncovered in the final minutes allows the cheese to bubble and brown, creating an appealing crust.

→ Are there any suggested additions for more vegetables?

Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms can introduce extra layers of flavor and nutrients to the dish.