Classic Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
or ground sausage
- 28 ounces marinara sauce
or store-bought
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
don't drain
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
finely minced
- 1 tsp fresh basil
finely minced
- 1 garlic clove
grated
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- 2
Add the ground beef to a large pot and brown completely. Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes are up, check for seasoning and reserve 2 cups of sauce.
- 4
While the meat sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water.
- 5
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, and garlic. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Set it aside.
- 6
Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix well. Add 1/2 of the pasta to a 9x13 baking dish. Place dollops of the ricotta mixture over the ziti along with fresh mozzarella cheese.
- 7
Pour the 2 cups of meat sauce over the ziti. Add the remaining layer of ziti pasta along with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top.
- 8
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Classic Baked Ziti
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About this Recipe
Looking for that ultimate comfort food that feeds a crowd and satisfies every craving? This Classic Baked Ziti delivers big on flavor with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and an abundance of melty cheese, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
What makes this baked ziti truly special is the thoughtful layering of al dente ziti noodles with a hearty, flavorful meat sauce and a generous blend of fresh and shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and creamy ricotta. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory goodness and delightful textures, setting it apart as a standout dish.
Prepare for a deeply satisfying, savory experience where perfectly cooked ziti holds its shape against a robust tomato-based meat sauce. You'll encounter pockets of warm, creamy ricotta cheese nestled between generous layers of gooey, melted shredded mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, all topped with fresh mozzarella for that irresistible stretch. This dish is designed to be approachable, promising a substantial and comforting meal that's perfect for any gathering.
While the classic combination is hard to beat, you have options to tailor this baked ziti to your taste. You can easily swap ground beef for flavorful ground sausage in the sauce to change the flavor profile. If you're short on time, using your favorite store-bought marinara sauce works wonderfully. For the cheese, feel free to adjust the proportions of fresh and shredded mozzarella based on your preference for stretch versus coverage.
This substantial baked ziti is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a hungry crowd. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.