Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that combines ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a cozy and satisfying meal.
📋 Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta 🍝
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) 🍅
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the ziti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Cook the meat:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add onion and garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Ziti:
- Mix pasta and sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the ziti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta, spreading it out with the back of a spoon. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Bake:
- Bake the ziti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the ziti cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
🍽️ Tips:
- Meatless option: Omit the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese alternatives: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal per serving
This Baked Ziti is cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. It’s a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s sure to be a hit any night of the week! 🍝🧀🌿