Name: Baked Ziti
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 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; 16 oz ziti or mostaccioli pasta, cooked slightly under al dente; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, grated and divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made with pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden. It is hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for make-ahead meals, gatherings, or weeknight dinners. The combination of beef, sausage, and tomato sauce creates a deep, savory flavor while the cheese layers add creaminess and richness.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 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
16 oz ziti or mostaccioli pasta, cooked slightly under al dente
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
1 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened
Add Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned
Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor
Add whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper
Simmer sauce for 25–30 minutes
Remove 3–4 cups of sauce and set aside to cool
Preheat oven to 375°F
In a bowl, mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper lightly
Drain pasta and cool slightly with water
Combine pasta with ricotta mixture gently
Add cooled meat sauce and mix lightly
Layer half of pasta mixture in baking dish
Add sauce and mozzarella layer
Repeat layers again
Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly
Rest 5 minutes before serving
Garnish with parsley

Notes

Serve hot with garlic bread or green salad
Let it rest before slicing for cleaner layers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze baked or unbaked ziti for up to 2 months
Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture or microwave individual portions
Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating to keep it moist