Getting your recipe ready...
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage
60min
Total Time
6 people
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget
Cost
580 kcal
Calories
Ah, Baked Ziti – the dish that makes everyone ask for seconds and forget their diet
Video
Note: This video is from YouTube and does not belong to us. All rights go to its original creator. Watch on YouTube
Ingredients
6
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2
Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente
3
Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet
4
Add marinara sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper
5
Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce in a bowl
6
Spread half the mixture in baking dish
7
Dollop ricotta cheese over pasta mixture
8
Layer with remaining pasta and sauce
9
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
10
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
11
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes
12
Garnish with fresh basil and serve
Pro Tips
Let rest before slicing for clean edges
Double recipe for larger gatherings
Use fresh herbs for brightness
Troubleshooting
Too dry? Add more sauce.
Too cheesy? Use less mozzarella.
Not flavorful? Increase seasoning next time.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach
Add peppers for extra flavor
Use different cheese blends for variety
Serving Suggestions
Great with garlic bread or salad
Pair with a refreshing drink
Top with crushed red pepper for spice
Nutrition Facts
580
Calories
35g
Protein
55g
Carbs
25g
Fat
3g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
900mg
Sodium
80mg
Cholesterol
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not cooking pasta enough causes mushiness
Forgetting to cover baking dish can dry it out
Using too little sauce leads to dryness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, it adds more fiber!
Is this dish freezable?
Absolutely, it freezes well!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works fine.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach and zucchini are great additions.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
Reviews
Sofia K
Mar 31, 2026
Easiest and tastiest baked ziti ever!
Raj P
Apr 4, 2026
Great dish! I added extra cheese.
Chen L
Apr 4, 2026
Everyone loved it, will make again!
John M
Apr 8, 2026
Quick and delicious, perfect for busy nights.
Maria G
Apr 2, 2026
Creamy and comforting, a family favorite.
