Description
This Lasagna Style Baked Ziti combines ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich tomato sauce layered with tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, it is a comforting Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Layers
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent for full flavor development.
- Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with one large egg until well blended, creating a smooth and creamy layer.
- Assemble Layers: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly. Then add a layer of noodles, followed by spreading the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to cook through and heat evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating perfectly melted cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving hot.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage with or without casing, crumbled for ease of cooking.
- Drain noodles well to prevent extra moisture in the casserole.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Covering with foil prevents the cheese from browning too quickly during the initial bake.
- Resting allows the layers to set for cleaner slices when serving.
