Extra Meaty Baked Ziti

Dive into comfort food heaven with this Extra Meaty Baked Ziti recipe, a hearty dish packed with layers of rich flavor and indulgent textures. Featuring tender pasta baked to perfection, the bold combination of ground beef and savory Italian sausage takes center stage, simmered in a robust marinara sauce with fragrant herbs for a deep, comforting flavor. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan come together for a luxuriously cheesy topping, while a golden-bubbly finish in the oven adds irresistible texture. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this baked ziti is easy to prepare and delivers big on classic Italian American comfort. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and watch it become a family favorite. Keywords: baked ziti, extra meaty, Italian sausage, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 48 oz marinara sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.

Step 4

Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce and tomato paste. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 7

In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti in an even layer.

Step 8

Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, spreading gently if needed. Then, layer with half of the remaining meat sauce.

Step 9

Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with foil (spray the underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12

Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3820.5 grams (3820.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6951

Total Fat 403.40g	517%
Saturated Fat 169.20g	846%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.10g
Cholesterol 1432mg	477%
Sodium 12023mg	523%
Total Carbohydrate 455.60g	166%
Dietary Fiber 40.00g	143%
Total Sugars 61.80g
Protein 401.90g	804%

Vitamin D 222IU	1112%
Calcium 5457mg	420%
Iron 36mg	202%
Potassium 3768mg	80%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.4%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 25.8%