Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Ziti recipe is it! Layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in this classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this baked ziti will become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to the sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Pasta Substitute: Penne or rigatoni can be used in place of ziti for a similar result.
- Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier bake, increase the mozzarella to 3 cups and the ricotta to 1 1/2 cups.