Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
This baked ziti is a favorite in our home, especially for Sunday dinners when the whole family gets together for a warm, cheesy meal that everyone enjoys.
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. 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 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:
- Add 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save 
Save Every holiday, my children request baked ziti and it brings back so many joyful memories gathered around the table 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) and egg. Contains pork (Italian sausage).
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 39 g (per serving).
Save 
Save This recipe makes gatherings special and leftovers are even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I ensure the ziti cooks perfectly?
Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain well to prevent sogginess during baking.
- → Can I use different meats for the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → What cheeses are included in the layering?
The dish layers ricotta combined with Parmesan and parsley, topped with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan for a golden finish.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be mixed into the meat sauce or ricotta layer to increase the vegetable content and flavor depth.
- → What are good beverage pairings with this dish?
This baked pasta pairs wonderfully with Chianti or Sangiovese wines, which complement its rich tomato and meat flavors.