Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
When I crave comfort food that hits every nostalgic note, nothing satisfies quite like Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce. The bubbling layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta come together in a dish that instantly feels like a hug in a casserole dish. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and every time I serve it to friends or family, it’s met with genuine, satisfied silence—the kind only a soul-warming meal can inspire.
What I love about this dish is how effortlessly it feeds a crowd. I’ve brought it to potlucks, served it on lazy Sunday dinners, and even portioned it out for weekday lunches. There’s something beautiful about how humble ingredients like ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta transform into something extraordinary when baked under a blanket of melty mozzarella. I don’t always have time for intricate meals, but this one makes me feel like a kitchen hero with minimal fuss.
The aroma alone is enough to draw people into the kitchen. As it bakes, the garlic and Italian herbs fill the house with anticipation. The golden, bubbly top is just the beginning—one spoonful reveals rich layers of meat, pasta, and cheese that practically melt together. Every time I make it, I find myself sneaking bites straight from the baking dish before it even hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the definition of cozy. It brings together the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with the ease of a one-pan meal. The balance between tangy marinara, creamy ricotta, and savory beef ensures every bite is satisfying and deeply flavorful. It’s simple enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats like a dream—making it a staple in any busy kitchen.
Ingredients
To create a memorable Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, it all starts with ingredients that bring depth and comfort to every layer.
Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto the rich meat sauce and layers of cheese, delivering a perfect bite each time.
Ground Beef: The foundation of our meat sauce, it adds hearty richness and a satisfying texture. Opt for lean ground beef to keep things balanced.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara makes all the difference, infusing the dish with robust tomato flavor and fragrant herbs.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay the flavorful groundwork for the meat sauce, offering sweetness and depth that tie everything together.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds that luscious layer that makes every forkful indulgent.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and golden when baked, mozzarella is essential for that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and nutty contrast that complements the creamy and savory elements beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs delivers that classic Italian flavor, elevating every component.
Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential to enhance and balance the overall flavor.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overcook it now.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a handful of shredded parmesan, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and finish with mozzarella and extra parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you’re craving something slightly different, Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce adapts beautifully to a variety of twists. Swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a bold kick, or use ground turkey for a leaner option without compromising flavor. You can even go meatless by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian spin.
Don’t have ricotta on hand? Cottage cheese makes a great substitute, especially when blended until smooth. For a different cheese profile, try adding provolone or fontina for extra meltiness and depth. Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat ziti also work wonderfully for dietary needs, just be mindful of their cooking times.
Make it spicier with red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce or add chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of freshness. The base recipe is so reliable, it lets your creativity shine.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it truly shines when paired with sides that balance its richness. A crisp Caesar salad or a lemony arugula mix adds brightness and texture to the meal. Garlic bread, of course, is the classic partner—perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
If you’re serving a crowd, round out the dinner with roasted vegetables or a platter of antipasto. A light red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda will elevate the experience without overwhelming the flavors. It also pairs well with cozy finishes like a slice of pineapple cheese pie or a few irresistible peanut butter truffles.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a gift that keeps on giving. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes if refrigerated, or 40-45 minutes from frozen. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep the pasta moist. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best in Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?
Ziti is the traditional choice, but penne or rigatoni work well too. Their shapes trap the meat sauce and cheese just like ziti does.
Can I make Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the full dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce before baking?
Yes, you can freeze it unbaked. Wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
How do I keep Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce from drying out?
Be sure to use enough sauce and cover it with foil for most of the baking time. Letting it rest after baking also helps retain moisture.
Can I make Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce without ricotta?
Definitely. You can skip the ricotta or use cottage cheese or a béchamel-style white sauce for a different creamy layer.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you love the satisfying richness of Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, you might also enjoy exploring a few other crave-worthy dishes that bring their own unique flavor. Try the hearty and comforting Amish Sunday Savior Casserole, which layers savory goodness in every bite, much like baked ziti does.
Or go for the creamy and savory twist of Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni—a pasta bake that brings together garlic, cheese, and sausage in a totally irresistible way. And if you’re curious about balancing out your plate, the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken makes a refreshing companion to any heavier meal.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can always have it handy for dinner plans, potlucks, or cozy weekends. If you’ve tried and loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family—whether it’s through a quick message, tagging them on social media, or printing out a copy for a neighbor. Sharing good food is one of the best parts of making it!
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
This hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a comforting casserole dish made with layers of al dente pasta, savory ground beef marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melty mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It's the ultimate make-ahead dinner for busy families and perfect for potlucks or freezing for later. With its bold Italian flavors, golden-baked top, and satisfying texture, this ziti bake delivers the cozy experience of classic homestyle cooking with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half the parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish, then half of the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead of meat.
- Can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
