Save A comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
I still remember the first time I baked this ziti for my family. The layers of cheese and aromatic meat sauce made everyone rush to the table, and it's been a favorite at our get-togethers ever since.
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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
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Instructions
- Prep & Boil Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce:
- 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. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomatoes & Simmer:
- 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.
- Mix Cheese Layer:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined.
- Layer & Assemble:
- 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. Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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This dish always brings warmth to our table, and watching everyone gather for seconds is the best part of family dinners together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, and pork (Italian sausage)
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 39 g
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Save Enjoy this classic baked ziti hot from the oven for true comfort. Let the flavors meld as it rests for the perfect cheesy bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works well due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce and cheese beautifully during baking.
- → Can I use other meats instead?
Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutes for beef and sausage, delivering lighter but still flavorful results.
- → How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?
Layering ricotta mixture between pasta and sauce, and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan helps cheese melt smoothly and brown nicely.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be added to the sauce or layered to boost flavor and nutrition.
- → What should I serve alongside this dish?
Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine for a complete meal.
