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.

This dish has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together around the table for a warm home-cooked meal.

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

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Step 1:

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.

Step 2:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

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.

Step 4:

Add ground beef and sausage. Cook breaking up meat until browned and cooked through, about 6 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5:

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.

Step 6:

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

Step 7:

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.

Step 8:

Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 9:

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 10:

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Sharing this baked ziti always brings warmth to family gatherings and celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Wine Pairing

Pairs well with Chianti or Sangiovese wine to complement the rich flavors.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if substituting.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Enjoy this classic dish fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture every time.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute the meats used in the sauce?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef and sausage for a lighter variation.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the ziti until just al dente, then drain and set aside before layering. This ensures the pasta holds its shape after baking.

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

Ricotta mixed with Parmesan and parsley forms the creamy layer, topped with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?

Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What is the best way to serve this baked ziti?

Let it rest after baking for about 10 minutes, then serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.