Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this comforting Italian-American casserole features layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef marinara, and fresh basil, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, or gluten-free pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
Cheese & Herbs
- 15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and chopped onion until fully cooked and softened. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the remaining meat sauce, chopped basil, ricotta cheese, and cooked pasta. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the mixture.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.
- Bake and Brown: Bake the assembled dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and heated through. For a golden browned cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute penne or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes in the meat sauce.
- Letting the baked ziti rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Broiling the cheese at the end is optional but adds a nice crispy top layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
