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Baked Ziti

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Baked ziti is a hearty, cheesy pasta casserole combining tender ziti, savory meat sauce, and layers of ricotta and melted cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-friendly meal with fewer steps than lasagna and great freezer-ability.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American/Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
  2. Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground meat and cook until browned; drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with half the meat sauce and some mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Spread half the ziti mixture into the baking dish. Dollop ricotta over it, then layer remaining meat sauce and remaining ziti.
  8. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for a veggie boost.
  • Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
  • Skip ricotta and double the mozzarella/Parmesan if you prefer simpler layers.
  • Use penne or rigatoni as substitutes for ziti if needed.
  • Prepare ahead: assemble and refrigerate unbaked; add a few extra bake minutes before serving.
  • Freeze the dish before or after baking for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/baked-ziti/