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.

I remember making this baked ziti on chilly evenings when everyone gathered around the kitchen table. With its bubbly cheese and savory sauce, it always disappeared fast.

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 the Oven:

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 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 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 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Mix the Cheese:

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

Layer the Casserole:

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 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest:

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Save

Save

Baked ziti was always a favorite at our family reunions, especially when everyone pitched in to layer the ingredients and sneak an extra sprinkle of mozzarella on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-style dinner.

Allergen Information

Contains: wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, pork (Italian sausage). Check labels for gluten or dairy if using substitutes.

Nutrition Information

Per serving: 670 calories, 31 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein.

Save

Save

Enjoy your homemade baked ziti with loved ones. It reheats beautifully for leftovers the next day.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can ground turkey be used instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can substitute beef and sausage for a lighter, leaner option without compromising flavor.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the ziti until just al dente and drain thoroughly before layering to maintain texture during baking.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely, sautéed spinach or mushrooms make great additions, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

→ What type of cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella provides a creamy melt, while added Parmesan offers a sharp, savory finish when baked.

→ Is it necessary to let the dish rest before serving?

Allowing it to rest for 10 minutes helps set the layers and makes serving easier without losing texture.