Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage
If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food dinner, this hearty baked ziti is always a crowd favorite. It’s loaded with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender pasta, and layers of melted mozzarella for a warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal.
This easy baked ziti recipe comes together with simple ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. The combination of ground beef and mild Italian sausage gives the sauce incredible flavor, while the creamy ricotta mixture adds the perfect texture to every bite.
Serve this classic baked ziti with garlic bread and a simple side salad for an easy Italian-inspired dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an easy weeknight dinner.
Rich and cheesy: Layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make every bite delicious.
Perfect for a crowd: A 9x13 pan makes plenty for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Freezer-friendly: Baked ziti freezes and reheats beautifully.
Family-friendly: A comforting pasta dinner that both kids and adults will love.
Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef & Italian Sausage
This easy baked ziti is made with tender pasta, hearty ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, potlucks, and feeding a crowd.
Recipe Details
Category: Dinner, Pasta, Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
For the Pasta
16 ounces ziti
Salt, for boiling the pasta
Olive oil, optional, for tossing the cooked pasta
For the Meat Sauce
1 pound ground beef
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1/2 yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces pasta sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
I like to use Rao's pasta sauce, but your favorite marinara or pasta sauce will work.
For the Ricotta Mixture
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Baked Ziti
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for about 9 minutes, or until just shy of al dente.
The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage.
Drain the pasta and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the pasta sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Pasta and Meat Sauce
Add the cooked ziti directly to the meat sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it out as evenly as possible.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture.
Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the top, then finish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop and serve.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it just shy of al dente so it doesn't become mushy while baking.
Freshly shred your cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Let it rest before serving. Giving the baked ziti about 10 minutes to cool slightly helps the layers hold together.
Add fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled over the top adds a bright finish.
Make it ahead. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Let refrigerated ziti warm slightly before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add a little extra baking time.
Easy Baked Ziti Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Skip the ground beef and Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter meat sauce.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Add another layer of mozzarella between the pasta layers or sprinkle extra mozzarella over the top before baking.
Add Fresh Herbs
Stir fresh basil or parsley into the ricotta mixture or sprinkle it over the finished baked ziti.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Yes! Baked ziti is a great make-ahead meal.
Assemble the entire dish according to the recipe, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
When ready, remove it from the refrigerator and bake at 375°F until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Since the dish starts cold, it may need a little extra baking time.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat individual portions, microwave until warmed through.
For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.
Can You Freeze Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes beautifully.
For best results, assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then bake at 375°F until heated through and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or another short tube-shaped pasta can be substituted for ziti.
Can I use only ground beef?
Absolutely. You can replace the Italian sausage with another pound of ground beef. The sausage adds extra flavor, but the recipe will still be delicious with ground beef alone.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta if you prefer. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Why is my baked ziti watery?
A watery baked ziti can happen if the pasta is overcooked or if the sauce contains a lot of excess liquid. Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente and allowing the finished ziti to rest before serving will help.
What should I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a simple green salad, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This easy baked ziti recipe is one of those classic comfort food meals that never disappoints. Between the rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.
Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prep, a potluck, or a family gathering, this cheesy baked ziti is an easy, satisfying meal that everyone will want seconds of.
Serve it with warm garlic bread and a simple salad for the ultimate cozy Italian-inspired dinner.