For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil after draining. Feel free to customize the cheese selection to your liking. Fontina, asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious additions. The meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Meaty Baked Ziti
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME1 hrs 35 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 5 mins
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SERVING12 People
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VIEWS15
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this rich and satisfying Meaty Baked Ziti. Layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a hearty meat sauce simmered to perfection, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create an unforgettable Italian comfort food experience. Prepare to be transported to a cozy trattoria with every delicious bite!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate37 g
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Cholesterol111 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein39 g
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Saturated Fat16 g
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Sodium1030 mg
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Sugar4 g
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Fat32 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepIn a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef until crumbly (5-7 minutes). Add tomato sauce, whole tomatoes with juice, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove 3 cups of sauce to a bowl and set aside to cool.
02
StepPreheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
03
StepCook ziti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cool water.
04
StepIn a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, and black pepper. Gently fold in the drained ziti, followed by the reserved 3 cups of meat sauce.
05
StepLayer half of the pasta mixture in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Top with half of the remaining sauce, 6 slices of provolone, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, provolone, and mozzarella. Cover with foil.
06
StepBake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Sprinkle with parsley and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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Bethany Mertz
Jun 6, 2025I found that using no-boil noodles cut down on the prep time significantly.
Reginald Bednar
May 29, 2025I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfect. Thank you for sharing!
Arvid Dicki
May 23, 2025The meat sauce is so flavorful. I made a double batch and froze half for later.
Hope Littel
May 17, 2025This is my go-to recipe for potlucks. It's always a hit!
Aylin Collins
May 9, 2025This recipe is amazing! My family devoured it. I will definitely make it again!
Markus Okeefe
May 7, 2025I added some roasted vegetables to the pasta and it was a great addition!