Baked Ziti with 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 the first time I baked ziti—the smell of bubbling tomato sauce and melting cheese filled the kitchen and brought everyone to the table with smiles. Preparing it now still feels like sharing a classic comfort food with loved ones.

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

Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.

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Prepare Oven:

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.

Cook 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 Filling:

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:

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.

Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.

Check price on Amazon

Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.

Check price on Amazon

Save

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Baked ziti night is a tradition in our home, and watching the cheesy pasta disappear as everyone reaches for seconds makes every minute of preparation worthwhile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs well with Chianti or Sangiovese wine for a classic Italian touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage to make a lighter version. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to include more vegetables and flavor.

Allergen & Nutrition Information

Baked ziti contains wheat, dairy, egg, and pork. Each serving has about 670 calories, 31 g fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein.

Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

Check price on Amazon

Save

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This baked ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy leftovers reheated for an easy meal the next day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the ziti just until al dente and drain it well before layering. This helps the pasta maintain its texture after baking.

→ Can I use other meats besides beef and sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can substitute for a lighter version with a similar hearty flavor.

→ What cheese combination works best for this dish?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides creamy, melty, and savory layers that complement the meat sauce.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables to this baked ziti?

Absolutely, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables can be mixed into the sauce or layered for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How long should I let the dish rest before serving?

Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to let the layers set and enhance flavors.