Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. A comforting Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti pasta following the package directions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Simmer with sauce: Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the browned beef, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix pasta and cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and the beef and sauce mixture. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add cheeses on top: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake the ziti: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the dish is heated through and perfectly cooked.
Notes
- Use low-fat ground beef or turkey for a leaner version.
- Fresh basil or parsley can be added on top for extra flavor and garnish.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
