Description
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta, savory browned ground beef or Italian sausage, a flavorful marinara sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers hearty, cheesy satisfaction with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound (about 450g) ziti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jars (24-26 ounces each) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces (about 425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 cups (about 340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (about 100g) grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions, but slightly undercook it so it maintains some firmness, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage (removing casings if using sausage) until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, infusing the meat mixture with flavor.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the meat mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg. The egg will help bind the cheese mixture, giving structure to the layers.
- Layer the Baked Ziti: In the greased baking dish, start with half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat this layering with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top again with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and allows flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef/sausage with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving, adding extra 5-10 minutes bake time if cold from fridge.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Ensure pasta is undercooked slightly to avoid mushy texture after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
