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Baked Ziti with Beef Bolognese

This Baked Ziti with Beef Bolognese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. Rich, meaty sauce envelops perfectly cooked ziti, layered with creamy ricotta and topped with melted cheese. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that brings people together around the dinner table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta or penne as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, optional
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes preferably San Marzano
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • - Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions, but make it very al dente (about 2-3 minutes less than the recommended time). Drain and set aside.
  2. Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  4. If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let it cook for a minute until mostly evaporated. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  5. While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup), and fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the ricotta mixture. Gently stir until the pasta is coated.
  7. Spread a thin layer of the beef bolognese sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the ziti mixture, half of the remaining sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers: remaining ziti mixture, remaining sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown. Turn on the broiler for the last minute or two for extra crispy edges if desired.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, don't overcook the pasta and shred your own cheese for better melting. The sauce can simmer longer for deeper flavor. This dish is freezer-friendly and reheats well in the oven.
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