Description
This Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole that’s perfect for a comforting family meal. Tender ziti pasta is layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 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 onion. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of 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.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese, if desired.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Notes
- Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta, but avoid overcooking it, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cheese: For best results, shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake later. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.
- Variations:
- Add other vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of meat, such as ground Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
