Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti recipe is cheesy, hearty, and comforting, with layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or substitute cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and dried basil. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sauce. Add half the pasta, then half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make It Healthier: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the ziti but don’t bake. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.