Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
I still remember the first time I baked this ziti for a Sunday family dinner. Everyone loved the rich flavor and gooey cheese, and it quickly became a requested classic at our gatherings.
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 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 Base:
- 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.
- Brown Meat:
- Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 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 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Mix Cheese:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- First Layer:
- 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.
- Second Layer & 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 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save The whole family gathers around for generous scoops of this ziti, which always brings big smiles and requests for seconds.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add sautéed spinach/mushrooms for extra vegetables. Serve with green salad & garlic bread.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670; Total Fat: 31 g; Carbohydrates: 57 g; Protein: 39 g per serving.
Save Dig in while it's hot and bubbly—this dish is comfort food at its best. Leftovers make for an easy meal the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the ziti pasta al dente, so it retains some firmness during baking. Drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- → Can I substitute the meats in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → What cheeses work best in this dish?
A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, melty texture and rich flavor.
- → How long should the casserole rest before serving?
Letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve slices.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms fold nicely into the layers, adding extra flavor and nutrition.