Save to Pinterest 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 was the first dish I made for my family after moving into our new home. Everyone gathered around the table, eager for that first cheesy bite, and even my picky eaters asked for seconds.
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 and 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, 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.
- 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: 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 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Our family loves gathering for baked ziti night, sharing stories and laughter as cheesy servings are passed around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Make it Lighter
Swap in ground turkey or chicken and add sautéed spinach for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until piping hot.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Baked ziti is pure comfort and always brings everyone together. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, while ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni work well due to their similar shape and ability to hold sauce.
- → How do I make it ahead of time?
Assemble the dish and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding extra time if needed.
- → What protein substitutions can I try?
Swap out beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be layered with the pasta and cheese for enhanced nutrition and taste.
- → What cheeses work best in this dish?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides creaminess, stretch, and flavor. Try provolone or fontina for variation.
- → How do I know when it's done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden, usually after about 35-40 minutes of baking in the oven.