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 baked this ziti, my family asked for seconds and even enjoyed leftovers the next day. It's now requested often for cozy Sunday suppers and celebrations alike.
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 the Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook the 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 the Meat Sauce:
- 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 the 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.
- Mix Cheese:
- 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 & Top:
- 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 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save This baked ziti often brings everyone together at our table. The cheesy top gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike, and the leftovers reheat perfectly the next day.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, and foil are needed for smooth prep and baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670 Protein: 39 g Fat: 31 g Carbohydrates: 57 g
Recipe Variations
Swap turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Save Make this classic casserole for your next gathering—it's always a crowd-pleaser, comfort in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti pasta is ideal as it holds the sauce well and retains a firm texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Layering the meat sauce and cheeses evenly, then covering with foil while baking, helps retain moisture and ensures a creamy texture.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?
Consider using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute to replace the meat while keeping rich flavors.
- → What cheese combinations enhance this dish?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a perfect balance of creaminess and savory notes throughout the layers.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Letting it rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.