When you’re craving a warm, comforting, and satisfying dish that feeds a crowd, Hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the answer. This Italian-American classic combines tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a casserole that’s a guaranteed hit. Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep for the week, this baked ziti recipe is your go-to solution.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect dish for beginners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the cheesy, saucy layers of baked ziti.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors or ingredients to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
• One-Dish Wonder: All the goodness of pasta, sauce, and cheese in one dish.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti

Here’s everything you need to make the perfect Hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce:

Pasta and Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Ziti pasta	1 pound
Water	4 quarts
Kosher salt	5 tsp (divided)
Extra-virgin olive oil	2 tbsp
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)	1 pound
Yellow onion (finely chopped)	½ cup
Garlic (minced)	1 tbsp
Italian seasoning	2 tsp (divided)
Tomato paste	¼ cup
Crushed tomatoes	28 ounces
Diced tomatoes (with juice)	14.5 ounces
Black pepper	½ tsp (divided)

Cheese Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Whole-milk ricotta cheese	2 cups
Mozzarella cheese (grated)	2 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup (divided)
Italian parsley (chopped)	1 tbsp
Egg	1

Optional Garnish

Ingredient	Quantity
Chopped parsley	1 tbsp
Parmesan cheese	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven rack to the middle position.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolve.
3. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–10 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta, rinse with cool water for 30 seconds, and set aside. Keep the pasta slightly moist to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and break it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add onion, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Reserve 2 cups of the meat sauce for layering later.

4. Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
   • Ricotta cheese.
   • 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
   • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
   • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
   • 1 teaspoon salt.
   • ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
   • Chopped parsley.
   • Egg.
2. Stir until fully blended and set aside.

5. Combine Pasta with Sauce

1. Add the cooked ziti to the remaining meat sauce in the Dutch oven.
2. Stir until the pasta is well coated with sauce.

6. Layer the Casserole

1. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Add half of the sauced pasta to the dish.
3. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
4. Spread half of the reserved meat sauce over the ricotta.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake the Ziti

1. Loosely cover the dish with greased aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. Serve

1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories	450
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	850 mg

Tips for Success

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs sauce and remains firm after baking.
2. Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh mozzarella and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
3. Grease the Foil: Prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil by lightly greasing it.
4. Make It Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for a kick.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving for cleaner slices.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

• Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.

2. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Creamy Baked Ziti

• Mix ½ cup heavy cream into the sauce for a richer texture.

4. Extra Cheesy

• Double the mozzarella and add a layer of béchamel sauce for an indulgent twist.

5. Mediterranean Flair

• Add black olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

FAQs About Baked Ziti

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Assemble and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

4. What can I serve with baked ziti?

Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

5. Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Yes, penne or any tubular pasta works well as a substitute.

6. How do I reheat baked ziti?

Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Comfort Food

Hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a timeless classic that never disappoints. With its layers of savory sausage, tangy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ready to dive into the ultimate baked ziti experience? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get cooking today!

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