Name: Baked Ziti with Cheese and Hearty Meat Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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This hearty baked ziti dish brings together al dente rigatoni or ziti pasta, a rich tomato‑based meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it offers the ease of a one‑dish bake, the comforting flavors of classic Italian‑American cooking, and plenty of melted cheese to satisfy the craving. It’s forgiving in preparation, crowd‑pleasing, and easy to scale up for larger gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti or rigatoni pasta
ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
onion, finely chopped
garlic cloves, minced
tomato sauce
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
olive oil

directions

Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, stopping about 2 minutes before the package’s al dente time; drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula; cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10‑15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with about two‑thirds of the sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella.
Transfer half of this pasta mixture into a 9×13‑inch baking dish. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over it, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Add the remaining pasta mixture, top with the remaining sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10‑15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8.
Prep time: about 15 minutes.
Cook time (including baking): about 35 minutes.
Total time: approximately 50 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes, or stir in chopped pepperoncini or sliced fresh jalapeños.
White sauce alternative: Use a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce in place of tomato sauce for a rich twist.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free pasta and ensure the tomato sauce and other ingredients are labeled gluten‑free.
Single‑serve pots: Use individual ramekins instead of one large dish for personal servings.

storage/reheating

To store: cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
To freeze: wrap the covered baking dish tightly (or portion into freezer‑safe containers) and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: if refrigerated, bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bake as above for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

What type of pasta should I use for baked ziti?

You can use ziti or rigatoni; the tube shape holds the sauce well. Penne also works in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase bake time by 5–10 minutes if cold.

How can I prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy?

Under‑cook the pasta by about 2 minutes before baking so it holds its shape during the bake.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No — you can omit it or replace it with cottage cheese or a light cream cheese for a slightly different texture.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely — lean ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor may be lighter, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

When the cheese is fully melted, slightly golden on top, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, it’s ready.

Can I freeze leftovers after baking?

Yes — once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make this gluten‑free?

Use certified gluten‑free pasta and ensure the sauce ingredients are gluten‑free. Everything else is naturally gluten‑free.

What side dishes pair well with this baked ziti?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables make excellent companions.

Can I adjust this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes — simply scale the ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes to accommodate.

Conclusion

This baked ziti casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and luscious layers of cheese, it’s both flavorful and family‑friendly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this recipe is a dependable go‑to for cozy dinners. Serve with a fresh salad and perhaps some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels truly special.

Baked Ziti with Cheese and Hearty Meat Sauce

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A comforting and satisfying Italian-American casserole featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.