Pin Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a timeless Italian-American favorite that brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table. This hearty casserole combines tender ziti pasta with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and layers of creamy, melted cheese, creating a dish that's satisfying and sure to please family and friends alike. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this baked ziti delivers classic flavors with effortless ease.
Pin This baked ziti embraces the heart of Italian-American cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients brought together in a way that delivers big on flavor and comfort. The melding of savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta cheese layered with pasta makes for a delightful, crowd-pleasing entrée that's especially great during cooler months.
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
- 1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 5. 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.
- 6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- 7. 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.
- 8. Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking. When browning the meat, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. For added freshness, chop fresh parsley just before mixing it into the cheese mixture and garnish before serving if desired.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra vegetables and flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your baked ziti alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine to round out the authentic Italian-American experience.
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With its luscious layers and rich, comforting flavors, Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce remains a beloved classic that’s easy to prepare yet impressively satisfying. This recipe not only fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas but also brings loved ones together around the table for a memorable meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute the meats in the sauce?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef and sausage for a lighter variation while maintaining the dish's rich flavor.
- → How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?
Cook the ziti until al dente, usually about 8 minutes in boiling salted water, ensuring it holds firmness during baking without becoming mushy.
- → What cheeses are used in this baked dish?
A combination of ricotta, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy texture and golden topping.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutritional benefits.
- → What sides pair well with this pasta bake?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the rich flavors, with red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese enhancing the meal.