Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining ziti pasta, hearty ground beef (or Italian sausage), and a rich marinara sauce, all baked together with layers of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish is bursting with authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and seasonings: Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the meat sauce and stir until everything is well coated.
- Bake the ziti: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For an extra cheesy version, feel free to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top before baking.
- If you prefer, you can also use a different type of pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Italian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian