Ziti Casserole
Creamy, cheesy ziti casserole combines tender pasta with rich meat sauce and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. jar spaghetti sauce (Prego)
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ziti wide noodles ⓘ
- 15 or 16 oz. carton Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 15 or 16 oz. carton cottage cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. pkg. Mozzarella cheese, diced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet, then mix with spaghetti sauce and set aside.
- Cook ziti noodles until tender, then drain.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, diced mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and salt.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef and Italian sausage. You can substitute the ziti noodles with penne or even pasta shells for a different texture. For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some sour cream or additional ricotta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This ziti casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Italian Beef Sandwiches for a hearty dinner. For a festive touch, sprinkle extra parsley or fresh basil on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti Casserole contains roughly 1536 calories, with 41g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and iron (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and when ready to bake, allow extra time in the oven as it will be cold.
Can I freeze the ziti casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking at the usual temperature and time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture. Blending the cottage cheese can help achieve a smoother consistency. Cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can also work in a pinch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).