Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (beef or turkey); 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet and hot mix); 1 small red pepper, finely diced; 1 small green pepper, finely diced; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 8 garlic cloves, minced; 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 25oz jar pasta sauce; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons basil, chopped; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 16-ounce box ziti pasta; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped basil; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Jump to Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking to impress a hungry crowd or just want the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening, this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s loaded with savory layers of robust tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, two types of cheese, and a hearty blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. Each bite is a celebration of Italian-American flavor, and the entire dish bakes up bubbly, golden, and irresistible. Trust me, this baked ziti will have everyone swooning from the very first forkful.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to amazing Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage is all about a thoughtfully chosen lineup of ingredients. Each one brings a special something — whether that’s rich texture, bright color, or flavor that just won’t quit.

Ground meat (beef or turkey): Pick your favorite for a juicy, flavorful base; beef brings boldness while turkey offers a lighter touch.
Ground Italian sausage (sweet and/or hot): This adds authentic Italian spices and a savory kick; mixing sweet and hot delivers extra depth.
Red and green bell pepper: These peppers bring sweetness, crunch, and beautiful color to the sauce.
Yellow onion: Finely diced for a mellow sweetness that softens into each bite.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic will bring warmth and a savory punch to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (28oz can): They form the backbone of your sauce with rustic, robust tomato flavor.
Pasta sauce (25oz jar): Use your favorite brand for extra tomato richness and seasoned goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy cream: For luscious, creamy richness that ties everything together.
Chopped basil: Brings fresh, peppery-herbal brightness to cut through richness.
Sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder: Pantry essentials to make every layer sing with flavor.
Ziti pasta (16 ounces): The star – sturdy tubes that trap sauce and cheese in every bite.
Ricotta cheese: This creates creamy, dreamy pockets all throughout the casserole.
More basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper (for ricotta filling): Layer in more savory flavor so every spoonful pops.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided): For that picture-perfect bubbly, browned cheese finish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Get your baking dish ready and set yourself up for a smooth assembly — a little prep now means breezy baking later!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your ziti according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente — not too soft, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside; it’s ready for its saucy bath!

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and Italian sausage. Break it up as it sizzles so you get even browning and lovely crumbles. Once fully cooked, add the diced peppers, onion, and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant — this is where the kitchen smells absolutely incredible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens for our Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, jarred pasta sauce, Parmesan, heavy cream, fresh basil, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let it all gently simmer 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and tweak salt if needed — the sauce should be hearty and well-seasoned.

Step 5: Assemble the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, more basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to make it creamy and cohesive. Ladle in 3–4 big spoonfuls of meat sauce, mix, and ensure the pasta is well coated — don’t forget to keep some sauce for layering later!

Step 6: Layer It Up

Ladle a generous layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures every scoop later has saucy coverage.

Step 7: First Layer of Ziti and Cheese

Spread half the creamy ziti mixture atop the sauce. Sprinkle over a thin layer of mozzarella to start that gooey, cheesy factor early.

Step 8: Final Meat Sauce, Ziti, and Cheese Topping

Spoon the rest of the meat sauce over everything, then finish by spreading the remaining ziti mixture. Top generously with the rest of the mozzarella. Pop the dish in the oven, covered, for 30–45 minutes until bubbly. For an irresistible golden finish, uncover and broil briefly at the end — watch closely so the cheese gets toasty but not burned!

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

Once your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage is bubbling and smells heavenly, pull it from the oven and let it cool a few minutes. This helps all the layers set up beautifully for that perfect cheesy scoop.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage

Garnishes

Top your baked ziti with a shower of fresh chopped basil or parsley for fresh color and herbal aroma. A little extra Parmesan right before serving doesn’t hurt either — it adds that salty finish everyone craves.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty, so I love to serve it with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is another must for sopping up every last bit of sauce from your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to make your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage the star of a family-style table, served right from the baking dish with a big spoon. For special occasions, try baking in individual ramekins for adorable single servings, or garnish each portion with a fresh basil sprig for a restaurant-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage stores beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making for some seriously satisfying next-day lunches.

Freezing

Baked ziti is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. Let the casserole cool completely, then tightly wrap the whole dish or portioned pieces in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label with the date for extra kitchen points!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through (about 20–30 minutes). If you’re grabbing a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch — just add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist, and heat until steamy and melty.

FAQs

Can I use all beef or all sausage instead of both?

Absolutely! You can tailor the protein to your taste — all ground beef for classic richness, all sausage for extra savory spice, or a mix of both for maximum flavor. The versatility is part of the fun!

Is it possible to make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole fully, cover, and refrigerate before baking. It can chill for up to 24 hours; when ready, bake as directed (allow a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge).

What kind of pasta sauce works best?

Any jarred pasta sauce will do, but try to choose one you love the taste of — classic marinara, tomato basil, or roasted garlic varieties all work fabulously. If you’re adventurous, go homemade!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and jarred sauce are gluten-free too. All the incredible cheesy-goodness will still shine through.

What should I do if my baked ziti top is browning too fast?

If you notice the cheese is getting too dark during baking or broiling, just cover the dish with foil. You’ll keep that cheesy lid golden and prevent burns while everything underneath keeps bubbling away.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about digging into a warm dish of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sausage. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor in every forkful. I hope this recipe finds a happy place at your family table — don’t be surprised when you start craving it again before the leftovers are even gone!