Ziti Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty baked ziti casserole combining Italian sausage, ground beef, cheese, and pepperoni for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and garlic in a skillet until cooked through.
- Add Italian seasoning, spaghetti sauce, water, and sliced pepperoni; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil the ziti pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cover the casserole with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version. If you don't have ziti, penne or rigatoni work well too. Enhance flavor with fresh basil or oregano instead of dried. For a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty ziti spaghetti casserole with a side salad for a balanced meal, and some garlic bread or a crusty loaf to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with Dip For Bread for an added flavor kick. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Jean'S Manicotti.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 762 calories, with 22g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg per serving (84% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of Mozzarella cheese?
If you're out of Mozzarella, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a sharper flavor, consider using cheddar or a mixture of Parmesan and Asiago.
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).