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Classic Comfort Food, with Layers of Flavorful Meat Sauce and Melty Cheese!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Recipe Category: Main Dish
Recipe Cuisine: Italian
Aggregate Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 from 350 reviews)
This Best Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a family favorite that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender pasta is smothered in a rich and savory homemade meat sauce, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a gathering, or meal prep, this baked ziti is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Baked Ziti:
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Spread half of the ziti and meat sauce mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Add a layer of ricotta cheese (if using), then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Top with the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Pro Tips
- For a Creamier Texture: Add ricotta cheese or cream cheese to the sauce or mix into the pasta for an extra layer of richness.
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer. Penne or rigatoni also work well with this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce and cook the pasta the day before. Then, assemble the ziti and refrigerate it. When ready, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the meat for vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Keywords
baked ziti, meat sauce ziti, Italian pasta bake, best baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, homemade ziti casserole, easy baked pasta
Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is hands down the best baked ziti recipe I’ve ever made! The meat sauce was rich and flavorful, and the cheese melted perfectly. My family asks for this every week!" – Jessica P.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A classic comfort food recipe! It was so easy to make and tasted amazing. The cheese on top got so crispy, and the sauce was perfect!" – Mark W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I followed the recipe exactly and was so impressed. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was full of flavor. This is going into regular rotation at my house!" – Emily R.
Enjoy this Best Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, a true family favorite! With its hearty, savory sauce and melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion.
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