Imagine tender ziti, lovingly coated in a robust tomato sauce, mingling with flavorful mini-meatballs and diced prosciutto so that every bite is full of flavor.

The pasta is topped with slices of hard-boiled eggs, a tradition in some Italian baked pasta dishes, which add a unique texture and richness.

Generous handfuls of melted mozzarella and caciocavallo cheese envelop the pasta in a golden, gooey blanket, while a dusting of breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch.

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a feast on a plate.

Perfect for family gatherings, luncheons and any day that calls for a special touch, our Baked Ziti Pugliesi are sure to become your favorite.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven and get ready to create a masterpiece that will delight the senses and warm the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: A delightful mix of savory meats, cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce.
Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for warming the heart and feeding a crowd.
Beautiful Presentation: Layers of pasta, eggs, and cheese create a stunning, golden dish.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Dish:

1 lb ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed or hand-crushed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
⅔ lb ground beef (for mini meatballs)
3.5 oz cooked ham, diced
4 large eggs, hard-boiled and sliced
7 oz caciocavallo cheese (or a mix of pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano, grated)
5 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2–3 tbsp breadcrumbs
Olive oil (for frying meatballs)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, a pinch of sugar (if desired), salt, and pepper.
Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3. Make the Mini Meatballs

Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Roll into small 1-inch meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a separate skillet and fry the meatballs until browned and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions).

Drain and set aside.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce.
Add half of the grated caciocavallo cheese, the diced ham, and the mini meatballs. Mix until evenly combined.

6. Assemble the Dish

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture.

Sprinkle with half of the diced mozzarella and arrange half of the sliced boiled eggs over the top.
Add another layer of pasta, the remaining mozzarella, the rest of the boiled eggs, and the remaining caciocavallo cheese.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.

7. Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Rest and Serve

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish.

Tips

Cheese Alternatives: If you can’t find caciocavallo, mix pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano for a similar flavor profile.

Layered Perfection: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients carefully and evenly.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and bake before serving for convenience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	26 g
Carbohydrates	58 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Sodium	780 mg

Buon Appetito! Savor the rich flavors and comforting textures of Baked Ziti Pugliese, a timeless Italian classic that’s sure to delight your family and guests.