Name: Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 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 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; Freshly chopped parsley

If you’ve ever craved the comforting warmth of a classic Italian dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying, then you’re in for a treat with this Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—the layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese come together in a way that truly feels like a cozy hug in food form. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish that your whole family will rave about.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: It’s like lasagna’s easier, quicker cousin but just as satisfying.
Layered Flavors: The combination of flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella sings!
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters usually ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance—perfect for busy weeknights or guests.

This image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is cooked pasta with a yellow color and slightly curly shape. On top of the pasta is a thick layer of brown meat sauce mixed with red tomato sauce. The top layer is melted cheese that is golden and bubbly, sprinkled with green chopped herbs. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese, baked ziti casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian baked pasta recipes, hearty pasta bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together like a well-rehearsed symphony—each adding their own note of flavor and texture. When I shop for this, I always pick good quality Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella because they really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a whole large onion with a papery light brown skin and a portion peeled to show white layers, three plump garlic cloves with papery skins, a mound of raw Italian sausage seasoned and coarsely ground, a pile of raw ground beef with a fresh red color, a simple white ceramic bowl holding whole peeled bright red tomatoes in juice, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth red tomato sauce, an assortment of dried Italian seasoning herbs loosely scattered, a small heap of vibrant red pepper flakes, a few crystals of coarse kosher salt, freshly ground black peppercorns near the salt, a neat pile of uncooked tubular ziti pasta with smooth yellow surface, a generous dollop of creamy white whole milk ricotta cheese placed in a white ceramic bowl, a mound of grated fresh white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a clean whole brown egg, and a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley arranged symmetrically – all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese, baked ziti casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian baked pasta recipes, hearty pasta bake

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a richer taste when sautéing the aromatics.
Onion: A large, sweet onion adds natural sweetness that balances the tomato sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the sauce with its punchy aroma.
Italian sausage: I like the spicy kind to add a gentle heat, but mild works beautifully too.
Ground beef: Adds hearty richness—look for 80/20 for the best fat ratio.
Whole tomatoes & tomato sauce: The base for the sauce, giving it depth and brightness.
Italian seasoning & red pepper flakes: For that classic Italian herb flavor with a little kick.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential to bring everything to life.
Ziti or mostaccioli: I usually go with ziti, but mostaccioli or penne work just as well—just don’t overcook!
Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and essential for that dreamy texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts best and gives you those irresistible cheese pulls.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish.
Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture without weighing it down.
Fresh parsley: I love sprinkling this on at the end for a burst of color and freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes, and this easy baked ziti recipe is super flexible—feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs!

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed delight my family actually loves.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the meat sauce for more heat—I discovered that trick during a chilly winter and it warmed us right up!
Cheese Variations: Mixing in some provolone or fontina cheese along with mozzarella creates a richer, more complex cheese layer.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta blend—just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Meat Sauce Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen smells like the start of something amazing. Next, add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain most of the fat but keep a little behind to give extra flavor and moisture to your sauce.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Pour in your canned whole tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce or marinara. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow bubbling brings the flavors together beautifully. After simmering, ladle out 3 to 4 cups of the sauce into a separate bowl and let it cool—this will be mixed with the pasta and cheeses in a later step.

Step 3: Prep the Cheese Mixture and Cook Pasta

While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t overmix here—you want it slightly lumpy to keep that creamy texture that makes every bite fantastic. Meanwhile, cook your ziti until it’s just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven), then drain and rinse with cool water to stop it from overcooking.

Step 4: Toss and Layer with Love

Mix the drained pasta with the cheese mixture gently, keeping those lovely lumps intact. Then, fold in the cooled meat sauce. Transfer half of this cheesy, saucy pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining hot sauce over the top, then sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering so you get that beautiful, cheesy top that browns just right.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until everything is bubbling and the cheese on top turns golden. When done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—that pause is key to allowing the layers to settle. Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the ziti until just shy of al dente prevents mushiness after baking—a common mistake I learned the hard way.
Reserve Sauce for Mixing and Layering: Separating some sauce to mix with pasta keeps it moist inside without making it soupy.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect meltiness—grate it fresh for the best gooey texture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly so it sets up and cuts cleanly without falling apart.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

A white plate holds three layers of baked pasta with sauce and cheese. The bottom layer is yellow pasta shapes with an orange-red sauce. The middle layer is brown meat sauce mixed with the pasta, with some bits of tomato and herbs visible. The top layer is melted white cheese with some dark brown crispy spots and green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. A metal ladle with some sauce and melted cheese is near the plate, held by a woman's hand. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese, baked ziti casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian baked pasta recipes, hearty pasta bake

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top before bringing it to the table—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy layers. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra parmesan at the table for cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a simple green salad with vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully and add a healthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this ziti in individual ramekins, allowing everyone to have their own personal cheesy casserole with a perfectly crisp top. Another fun idea is to sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the final layer before baking for an irresistible crunchy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It lasts beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and trust me—you’ll want to eat every bite again.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I freeze it before baking in a foil pan or freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—sometimes adding an extra 10-15 minutes to bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the ziti with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through—about 20 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, a microwave will do, but the oven method keeps that fresh-baked texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this baked ziti recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional ziti works best because of its tube shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute mostaccioli, penne, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it’s slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian without losing flavor?

Swap the sausage and beef with hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add a plant-based meat substitute. Boost flavor by adding extra herbs, garlic, and maybe a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to deepen the sauce.
Is it okay to prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti the day before and keep it refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook. This makes it a lifesaver for busy days or entertaining guests.
What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil helps keep the dish moist and the cheese melty. Microwave reheating works, but you might lose some of that ooey-gooey texture and crisp top.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and my dinner table—because it’s just reliable comfort food done right. Whether it’s a weeknight meal for the family or a dish you bring to a potluck, it’s always a winner. So go ahead and try it out like you’re sharing it with your best friend—I promise you’re going to love every gooey, cheesy bite.