Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
This classic Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a hungry family or for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound about 450g ziti pasta
- 1 pound about 450g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 jars 24-26 ounces each marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces about 425g ricotta cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 3 cups about 340g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup about 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches) with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Pasta:Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for it to be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat:In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. If using sausage, remove the casings before cooking. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics:Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Season and Sauce:Season the meat mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg. This will help bind the cheese mixture together.
- Layer the Baked Ziti:In the prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers:Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Final Cheese Layer:Finish the dish with a final layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake:Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
- Serve:Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.