Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying meal made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a delicious blend of spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. This cheesy pasta dish comes together quickly and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine.
- Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- To make it ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Bake it when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg