Baked ziti Bolognese is the dinner I make when everyone will be eating at a different time. I can put the dish in the oven before the kids come home from practice, then keep it warm until we are all ready to sit down.
The pasta is mixed with a rich ground beef and tomato sauce, covered with mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until the top is browned. My kids usually go straight for the crispy cheese around the edges.
This recipe makes eight servings, and the leftovers reheat well the next day. Add a simple salad or garlic bread, and dinner is sorted without cooking anything else.
Baked Ziti Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
You’ll love:
Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil for serving
How to make
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef. Break it into small pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, milk, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the Bolognese sauce uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned around the edges.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Finish with chopped parsley or basil.
Notes
Cook the pasta just until slightly firm. It will continue cooking in the oven.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little extra beef broth before adding the pasta.
For a creamier baked ziti, add 1 cup of ricotta in small spoonfuls between layers of pasta.
Place the baking dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer a darker cheese topping. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baked ziti Bolognese?
Baked ziti Bolognese combines tube-shaped pasta with a ground beef and tomato sauce. The pasta is topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until the cheese melts and browns.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, mostaccioli, and other short tube-shaped pasta work well. Choose pasta that can hold the thick meat sauce.
Should I cook the pasta before baking it?
Yes, but cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Slightly firm pasta will finish cooking in the sauce without becoming too soft.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage can replace the beef. A mixture of beef and pork also works well and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Do I have to add milk to the Bolognese sauce?
No, but milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a smoother texture. You can leave it out or replace it with the same amount of beef broth.
Can I add ricotta?
Yes. Spoon about 1 cup of ricotta between two layers of pasta before adding the final cheese topping. You can mix the ricotta with a little Parmesan and chopped parsley first.
Can I assemble baked ziti ahead of time?
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats, then add approximately 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Can I freeze baked ziti Bolognese?
Yes. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Allow the pasta to cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to four days.
How do I reheat baked ziti?
Cover the pasta with foil and reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Add a spoonful of water or sauce before reheating if the pasta seems dry.
What can I serve with baked ziti?
Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Since the pasta is already substantial, a simple vegetable side is usually enough.