Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that everyone at your table will rave about, you’ve got to try this Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, cheesy, and packed with savory meat sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this baked ziti is my go-to comfort food that never lets me down.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a part in building the layers of texture and flavor that make this Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe so irresistible. I always recommend using fresh cheese and a good quality tomato sauce for the best results.

• Ziti pasta: I like ziti for its tube shape that holds the sauce, but rigatoni or penne work just as well.
• Olive oil: Adds that subtle fruity base for sautéing the aromatics.
• Onion: Gives sweetness and depth when softened gently.
• Garlic: A must for adding that punch of savory aroma.
• Ground beef: I prefer extra lean to keep it hearty but not greasy.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that ties the whole sauce together beautifully.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a hint for warmth—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Brown sugar: This little trick cuts acidity and brightens the tomato sauce.
• Passata (or tomato puree): Smooth and rich, it creates that luscious sauce coating the pasta.
• Beef broth: Adds depth and savory complexity to the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy goodness throughout the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it adds a nutty, sharp finish.
• Ricotta cheese: Provides soft, creamy pockets of indulgence.
• Fresh basil leaves (optional): A fresh herbaceous note to brighten up each cheesy bite.

Variations

I love making this Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe my own by swapping in different ingredients or tweaking the spices depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is your canvas!

• Vegetarian Version: I once tried this with crumbled cooked mushrooms or lentils instead of beef, and honestly, it was just as satisfying and perfect for meatless Mondays.
• Spicy Kick: Adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce really wakes up the sauce if you like heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or mozzarella for provolone adds nice flavor twists.
• Herb Variations: Fresh oregano or thyme in place of basil can give the dish an earthy dimension.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by boiling your ziti pasta in salted water according to the package instructions—but don’t overcook! You want it al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. When ready, drain it well and set it aside. This step is key to avoiding mushy baked pasta later, which I’ve learned by experience is a bummer.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Flavor Base

Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until they soften and fill your kitchen with that incredible aroma. This simple step really builds the foundation of the sauce’s flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Season It Right

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. I like to do this until there’s no pink left—usually about 5 minutes. Then, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the brown sugar, which is a little trick I learned to mellow the acidity and round out the flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce to Deepen Flavors

Pour in the passata and beef broth, stirring everything to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil briefly, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This slows down the cooking and lets the flavors meld beautifully—trust me, it makes a huge difference compared to rushing this step. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Layer With Cheese

Once your sauce is ready and your oven is preheated to 350℉, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. If your pan isn’t big enough, transfer everything to a large bowl to mix well. Then, start layering in your casserole dish: spread half the pasta mixture evenly, sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat with the rest of the pasta. Dollop ricotta all over the top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. This layering trick creates all those delicious pockets of melty cheese I can’t get enough of.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the whole casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes so that cheese turns beautifully golden and bubbly. When it comes out of the oven, I like to let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for that pop of color and fresh herby flavor. Sometimes, I grating a little extra Parmesan just before serving—can’t resist that salty finish! A crack of fresh black pepper never hurts either.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing this baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted broccoli for a bit of crunch and contrast. Garlic bread on the side is also a crowd-pleaser, especially for soaking up sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this recipe in individual ramekins and sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or microgreens on top for an elegant look. It looks beautiful served family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet, too, making it perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3-4 days. I’ve found that keeping it covered tightly helps the cheese stay moist and the sauce remain flavorful.

Freezing

This baked ziti freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When frozen, it lasts about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When it’s time to eat leftovers, I reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Covering with foil prevents drying out, and removing it near the end helps crisp up the cheese topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Ziti with Meat and Cheese Recipe has become a staple in my house because it’s effortlessly delicious and hits that perfect balance between comforting and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something cozy for yourself, I promise this dish will quickly become a favorite. Give it a shot—you’ll love how the flavors come together and how easy it is to make, truly a classic worth savoring.

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