Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I made this baked ziti for our last Sunday get-together, and the cheesy layers disappeared in moments. It's a recipe that always brings people together around the table.
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 & 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 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
- Mix Cheese:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Layer in Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in dish. Add half of ziti, half of ricotta mixture, and half of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save 
Save My kids love helping sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and it always leads to laughter in the kitchen before we dig in as a family.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread to round out the meal.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Each serving has about 670 calories, 31 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein. Always check labels if you need gluten or dairy alternatives.
Make-Ahead & Storage
The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy days or meal prep.
Save 
Save This ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles with every cheesy bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the meats used?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage, offering a lighter but still savory option.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook ziti until just al dente and avoid overbaking. Draining well also maintains texture.
- → What can I add for extra vegetables?
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed into the meat sauce or layered for added flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven for best results.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, assemble but do not bake. Wrap well and freeze; bake from frozen, adding extra time for thorough heating.
- → What cheese alternatives work well?
Cottage cheese can substitute ricotta; try provolone or fontina for mozzarella if preferred.