There is something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines hearty meats, luscious cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked until bubbling and irresistible. The Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is exactly that—a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. Each bite offers layers of rich tomato sauce, savory sausage and beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it an absolute classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings crowd-pleasing flavors and satisfying textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this incredible baked ziti, you’ll only need simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating the tantalizing taste and perfect texture of the dish. From the robust Italian sausage and ground beef to the creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, these ingredients come together beautifully to deliver comfort in every bite.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic to build the base flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant and savory punch to the sauce.
- Italian sausage: Offers a bold, spiced flavor that elevates the meatiness.
- Ground beef: Grounds the dish with hearty richness.
- Whole tomatoes with juice: Crushed by hand for a fresh, rustic sauce.
- Tomato sauce or marinara: Enhances sauciness and ties flavors together.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes that brighten the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right hint of heat for depth.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to taste and balance flavors.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce inside.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy pockets throughout the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and divided to melt beautifully on top and inside.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers savory umami flavor as a subtle punch.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture without overpowering it.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green freshness for garnish.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they soften and release their gorgeous aromas. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the sauce that will tie everything together.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Next, stir in the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up as they cook. Once browned evenly, drain any excess fat but keep a little moisture in the pan to maintain richness—this meat mixture is packed with flavor and will be the heart of your baked ziti.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the hand-crushed whole tomatoes and the tomato sauce to the browned meats. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes so the flavors can meld and intensify. Reserve about 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to cool slightly for later.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it is just shy of al dente. This is important because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, gently combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir just enough to blend while keeping some ricotta pockets intact for creamy bursts throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese with Sauce
Add the cooled pasta to the cheese mixture, then pour in the reserved meat sauce. Toss everything together until combined but avoid over-wetting the pasta, so the texture remains perfect once baked.
Step 7: Layer the Dish
Start assembling your baked ziti by layering half of the pasta mixture in your baking dish. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the rest of the pasta, sauce, and cheese for a luscious, gooey casserole.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the ziti at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the edges are bubbling invitingly. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley to add color and a bright herbal note.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of freshness that balances the rich, cheesy layers of the baked ziti. For a burst of additional flavor, you could also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese—both elevate the presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly cuts through the richness. Garlic bread is another classic choice, its crunchy buttery texture wonderfully complementing the soft, cheesy ziti. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also offer a healthy, colorful contrast that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe a little fancier, serve it in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You could also sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top instead of parsley for a slightly different herbal note. For gatherings, this baked ziti can be served family-style in a beautiful ceramic dish right from the oven, inviting everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This baked ziti stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve moisture and to keep those cheesy layers tender and delicious fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes extremely well. Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking, so it heats through evenly.
Reheating
To reheat leftover baked ziti, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Cover with foil initially to prevent drying, then uncover in the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy top. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Italian sausage with a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer a vegetarian twist. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.
What pasta types work best for baked ziti?
Ziti is the classic choice, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy tubular pasta that holds sauce well. These shapes trap the cheesy sauce inside, making each bite extra satisfying.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package since cooking times can vary.
Can I prepare this dish completely ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes for an easy and stress-free dinner prep.
How can I make the cheese layer extra melty and gooey?
Using fresh, high-quality mozzarella and shredding it yourself yields the best melt. Also, layering mozzarella both inside and on top ensures gooey pockets throughout your baked ziti, making it irresistibly cheesy.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your fork into a warm serving of Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a classic comfort food that feels special enough for company but easy enough for any weeknight dinner. Once you try this recipe, its rich flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness are sure to make it a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, follow the steps with love, and prepare for a truly satisfying meal everyone will adore.
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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features a hearty meat sauce made with Italian sausage and ground beef simmered in a rich tomato base. Combined with tender ziti pasta and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, it’s baked until bubbling and golden, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The layers of cheese and sauce deliver a comforting Italian-American favorite with a balanced flavor and cheesy texture.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (can substitute with turkey sausage)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 28 oz whole tomatoes with juice (crushed by hand)
- 29 oz tomato sauce or marinara
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ pounds mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown Meat: Stir in Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat while leaving some moisture to keep sauce rich.
- Simmer Sauce: Add hand-crushed whole tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes to deepen flavors. Reserve 3–4 cups of sauce and let cool slightly for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in salted water until just nearly al dente (slightly undercooked for baking). Drain pasta and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir carefully to maintain pockets of ricotta.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix the cooled pasta with the cheese mixture and then add the reserved meat sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the mixture is coated but not overly wet.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce and some shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled ziti for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- To prevent the pasta from drying out, avoid overcooking it before baking.
- Make sure to reserve some sauce to maintain moisture and flavor balance in the casserole.
- Resting the baked ziti after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
