Description
This Irresistible Baked Ziti recipe blends pasta, rich marinara sauce, flavorful cheeses, and savory ground meat, making it a classic comfort food perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz Ziti Pasta (Can substitute with penne or rigatoni)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh or garlic powder)
- 1 medium Onion (Shallots can be used as a substitute)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Use cottage cheese for a lighter version)
- 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh mozzarella preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute)
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (Can substitute with sautéed vegetables or lentils)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (Dried basil is acceptable but fresh is recommended)
- To taste Salt
- To taste Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente, following package instructions (about 7 to 9 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the fresh basil. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the pasta mixture and layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, sprinkling with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Baked Ziti pairs well with a garden salad and garlic bread. For a special touch, offer grated Parmesan at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg