baked ziti with meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked ziti with meat recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: baked ziti with meat. This classic Italian-American dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.

I remember my mom making it for me when I was a kid, and now I make it for my own family. My kids love helping me cook the ziti, and they can’t get enough of the melted mozzarella cheese on top. As an added bonus, this recipe is also relatively healthy, thanks to the use of ground turkey and plenty of vegetables.

We often have leftovers, which is perfect for busy weeknights or for packing lunches the next day. The best part? It’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

In short, baked ziti with meat is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. My husband loves it because it’s an easy way to get our kids to eat more vegetables (hidden in the sauce and meatballs). I love it because it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – we always seem to have some extra sauce and cheese to snack on later. My kids are picky eaters, but they devour this dish without hesitation. It’s truly a family favorite that never gets old.

Classic Baked Ziti with Meat

4.6 from 896 votes

A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti, a rich meat sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Cheese

1 pound ziti pasta
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3While the water heats, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
8Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper.
9Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook while you prepare the pasta, stirring occasionally.
10Add the ziti to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, following package directions.
11Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
12In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
13Stir until well blended and smooth.
14Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
15Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
16Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
17Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella.
18Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and finish with the last cup of mozzarella cheese.
19Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
20Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
21Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
22Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Colander
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Watch Video Of How Classic Baked Ziti with Meat Works

This baked ziti with meat recipe is truly a winner in our household – we love it for its ease of preparation, its rich flavors, and its adaptability to different tastes and dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or something special to serve at your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Meat

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For baked ziti with meat, you’ll want to use ziti pasta – its tube shape holds onto the sauce perfectly.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?

While you can use ground beef if you prefer, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of the dish slightly.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too browned during baking?

To prevent over-browning, cover the top of the casserole with foil for about half the baking time.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any red wine on hand?

You can omit the red wine or substitute it with another liquid of your choice (such as beef broth).

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