Baked Ziti Meat Sauce Casserole

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is pure cozy comfort that gets even better the next day and brings everyone to the table. This pasta casserole layers tubes of ziti with a robust meat sauce and a generous crown of bubbling cheese so there is a perfect bite in every forkful.

My family requests this for every birthday and most Sunday suppers. The combination of hearty pasta with gooey cheese and that deeply savory meat sauce makes everyone linger at the table a little longer. We once made this in two huge pans for a block party and there was not a crumb left.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: Choose high quality dried pasta for a chewy bite and sturdy structure
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richness and better flavor in the sauce
• Onion: Go for a fresh medium yellow onion for mellow sweetness
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring depth and aroma
• Ground beef: Ideally use 80 percent lean for real flavor and tender meat texture
• Italian sausage: Go for a pork sausage with fennel seeds for extra punch remove casings for easy browning
• Crushed tomatoes: Pick a favorite Italian brand for richer sauce and less acidity
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base and deepens the color opt for double concentrate for a punchier result
• Dried oregano: Adds earthy undertones choose a reputable brand or fresh if you can
• Dried basil: Brings sweet notes and rounds out the sauce use dried or fresh basil depending on availability
• Red pepper flakes: Add a hint of heat optional but balances rich cheese
• Salt: Select fine sea salt to season each layer perfectly
• Black pepper: Fresh ground for warmth and finish
• Ricotta cheese: Full-fat for creamy texture check ingredients for pure dairy
• Egg: Binds and lightens the cheese mixture use a farm fresh egg if possible
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty ideally grate it yourself for freshness
• Fresh parsley: Freshly chopped for color and bright flavor in every layer
• Mozzarella cheese: Shred yourself for ultimate melt or use a creamy pre-shredded brand

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius and grease a large rectangular baking dish well so nothing sticks while baking

Cook the Ziti Pasta:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your dried ziti Cook until just barely al dente which helps keep texture after baking This usually takes around eight minutes Drain well and set aside

Build the Aromatic Base:

Pour olive oil into a large skillet set over medium heat When oil shimmers stir in chopped onion let it soften for about three to four minutes Add minced garlic Cook gently for just one minute to make sure garlic does not burn

Brown the Meats:

Add ground beef and sausage to the skillet Break up large chunks with a spatula Cook until no pink remains about six to eight minutes The key is to get some crispy browning on bits for deeper flavor Drain fat if needed for a lighter result

Simmer the Meat Sauce:

Add crushed tomatoes tomato paste oregano basil red pepper flakes salt and ground black pepper Stir the mixture well and let it simmer uncovered for ten to fifteen minutes Stir occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking

Mix the Cheese Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese egg grated Parmesan and parsley Stir until smooth and evenly blended This mixture should be creamy and spreadable but not runny

Assemble the Layers:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of your prepared dish Layer half the cooked ziti over the sauce Then dollop half the ricotta mixture across the pasta and spread gently Top with half the remaining meat sauce Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese

Repeat and Finish Assembly:

Layer the rest of the ziti ricotta cheese and meat sauce Finish by scattering over the remaining mozzarella and extra grated Parmesan

Bake Covered and Then Golden:

Cover dish tightly with foil Bake at 190 degrees for twenty minutes Carefully remove foil and bake about fifteen to twenty minutes more until cheese is melted bubbly and tinged golden brown

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest uncovered on the counter for at least ten minutes before slicing This helps set the layers and makes serving easier

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No cooking tip has made more impact than using full fat ricotta for creamy pockets This is my nonnegotiable ingredient and everyone asks how the layers stay so lush We once spent a rainy afternoon grating the entire block of Parmesan together and it made every bite pop

Storage Tips

This baked ziti stores well covered in the fridge for up to four days Slice into portions for easy reheating If you want to freeze let cool completely then wrap tightly Portions can be microwaved straight from the fridge or reheated in a low oven until bubbly again

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work well instead of beef and sausage Try a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more nutrients You can use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a lighter option but strain well to avoid watery filling

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette Garlic bread is classic and a chilled Italian red wine like Chianti rounds everything out For a playful touch top with extra fresh basil ribbons before bringing to the table

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This recipe brings warmth and connection to any table and always makes leftovers worth savoring. A cheesy baked classic you will return to again and again.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the meat in the sauce?

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

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy, savory filling and golden topping.

→ How do I prevent overcooked pasta?

Cook the ziti just until al dente; it will finish cooking during baking for the perfect texture.

→ Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Sautéed spinach or mushrooms are excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich flavors of the meat sauce and cheese layers.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw and bake as directed when ready to serve.

→ How do I serve baked ziti with meat sauce?

Let it rest after baking. Slice and serve with salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.