Baked Ziti Casserole
A hearty and comforting Italian-American classic. Layers of ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese are baked together until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
For 8 servings
9 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, then the ziti. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The pasta should be firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce
- a.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the chopped onion to the pot with the meat and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5
In a medium bowl, prepare the ricotta mixture
- a.Combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the lightly beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 6
Assemble the casserole
- a.In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti with about 3 cups of the meat sauce, coating the pasta well. Spread 1 cup of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture over the sauce. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- 8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes
- a.Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for the layers to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Undercooking the pasta is essential. It will absorb sauce and finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
- 2For the creamiest texture, use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella. Avoid part-skim if possible.
- 3The egg in the ricotta mixture acts as a binder, helping the cheese layer set beautifully.
- 4Letting the casserole rest before cutting is the secret to clean, well-defined slices.
- 5For extra flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- 6This dish is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the ground beef and sausage. Sauté 1 lb of sliced mushrooms, 1 chopped zucchini, and 1 chopped bell pepper in olive oil and use in place of the meat.
SpicierSpicier
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or to your taste.
Four Cheese ZitiFour-Cheese Ziti
Add 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese to the mozzarella topping for an even richer, cheesier flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The combination of ground beef, sausage, and three types of cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Excellent Source of Calcium
With generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is rich in calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The ziti pasta offers complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy to power you through your day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this baked ziti contains approximately 750-800 calories, primarily from the pasta, meat, and cheeses. It's a rich and satisfying comfort food.