If there’s one comfort food that never fails to warm my heart and please a crowd, it’s this Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish layers rich, meaty tomato sauce with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing something special to a potluck, you’ll find that this baked ziti hits every note—hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my best tips that’ll make your oven timer your new best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The blend of Italian sausage and ground beef creates a rich, savory sauce that everyone from kids to grandparents devours.
- Perfectly Cheesy Layers: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan bring creamy, melty goodness that makes this baked ziti insanely comforting.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: I love that you can assemble it early or freeze leftovers, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Taste: No fancy shortcuts—just basic pantry staples combined to create a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe combine to balance hearty meatiness with creamy cheese textures and a flavorful tomato base. Choosing quality Italian sausage and good mozzarella really lifts the dish, so don’t rush the shopping trip for those.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic without sticking.
- Large onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic delivers that classic Italian aroma and bite.
- Italian sausage: I prefer sweet or mild for a balanced meat sauce; remove casing for crumbled texture.
- Ground beef: Combines with sausage for depth and heartiness.
- Whole canned tomatoes with juice: Using whole tomatoes lets you crush them yourself, controlling texture.
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce: Adds a smooth tomato base that blends well with the meat.
- Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs brings that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Red pepper flakes: For just a hint of heat—not overpowering but enough to keep things interesting.
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Key to seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Ziti or mostaccioli pasta: Cooked al dente so it retains structure after baking.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this makes the filling luscious.
- Mozzarella cheese: Grated fresh—half mixed in and half for topping; it melts beautifully and browns nicely.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture without making it too dense.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe is. Whether you want to boost the veggies or make it a bit lighter, it’s easy to customize.
- Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and earthy flavor—totally delicious.
- Spicy Kick: For a bolder flavor, I add extra red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños; my family loves the subtle heat.
- Meatless Version: Swap the meats for plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables to keep things hearty without meat.
- Cheese Variations: I sometimes mix in provolone or fontina for a different melt and taste profile.
How to Make Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Build a Flavorful Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until they’re fragrant and starting to soften—about 3-4 minutes. Add crumbled Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart with your spoon. Cook until nicely browned with no pink bits left—this step builds the foundation of your sauce. Don’t forget to drain excess fat; leaving a tiny bit gives extra flavor and moisture but too much makes it greasy.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection
Pour in whole canned tomatoes (crush them gently with your spoon in the pot), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes—the sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor. When it’s done, scoop out about 3 to 4 cups of the sauce into a bowl to cool; you’ll combine this later with the pasta and cheese.
Step 3: Prep Cheese Mixture and Pasta
While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, gently stir together the ricotta, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t overmix—you want the cheese mixture slightly chunky for the best texture. Drain cooked ziti and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; this trick prevents mushy pasta later. Toss the pasta with the cheese mixture, then fold in the cooled meat sauce until everything’s just combined with nicely coated noodles.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining warm sauce on top, then sprinkle with half of the reserved mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—that little pause lets everything set and makes it easier to slice.
Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking the ziti just shy of al dente stops it from turning mushy after baking—trust me on this one!
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture, so fresh is best.
- Resist Overmixing Cheese Mixture: Keeping some lumps in ricotta creates a lovely, rustic texture that melts beautifully in the baked ziti.
- Patience on Resting Time: Let your baked ziti stand before serving—this step makes slicing clean and portions hold together perfectly.
How to Serve Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the richness. A little extra grated parmesan on the side is also a nice touch for parmesan lovers. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of good quality olive oil if I’m going for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad—my go-to is a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette rounds out the meal, soaking up every last bit of sauce. If you want to add some veggies, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans make great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to assemble the baked ziti in individual ramekins or mini cocottes—everyone gets their own personal, bubbling cheesy casserole. It’s not just adorable but also perfect for portion control and impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I tightly cover leftovers with foil or airtight containers and store them in the fridge. Baked ziti keeps wonderfully for 3-4 days, and the flavors even deepen as it sits—which makes for even better next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing portions of baked ziti—just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the ziti with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes crisps up the cheese beautifully again. For a quicker method, microwave covered portions but I prefer the oven for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional ziti or mostaccioli work best due to their shape and size, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives. Just make sure to cook the pasta until just before al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
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Is it okay to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version. Cooking times remain about the same, but you might want to add a touch more seasoning or a dash of olive oil for extra moisture.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Making the meat sauce a day ahead is a wonderful time-saver and actually enhances the flavor as the herbs and spices have time to meld beautifully.
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How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Using enough sauce and cheese is key to keeping the pasta moist. Make sure to toss the pasta with the cheese and sauce mixture well before layering, and cover the casserole loosely with foil if you’re worried about drying during baking.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing taste?
Reheating in the oven covered with foil at 350°F helps keep the pasta moist and evenly warmed. Uncover in the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese topping. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the pasta a bit rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills bellies but brings people together—whether it’s a busy weeknight or your next celebration. I still remember the first time I made it and everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal, like it did for me. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into layers of cheesy, meaty goodness—you’re going to love every bite.
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Ultimate Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic baked ziti recipe features a rich and hearty meat sauce with Italian sausage and ground beef, combined with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, baked to bubbling perfection for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 whole large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, with juice
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
- 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for several minutes until they start to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned, then drain off most of the fat, leaving a small amount for flavor and moisture.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the whole tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir to combine and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes to develop flavor. After simmering, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce into a bowl and let it cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir together only a few times so the mixture remains slightly lumpy.
- Combine Pasta with Cheese and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Add the pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and gently toss to coat, keeping some lumps of ricotta. Then add the cooled meat sauce to the pasta and toss again to combine evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the coated pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the remaining grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers once more with the rest of the pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti stand for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ree Drummond’s baked ziti is a family favorite that offers the comforting flavors of lasagna but is easier and quicker to prepare.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Using part-skim mozzarella can reduce the fat content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 667
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1164 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
