Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe features layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. A comforting Italian-American classic that's perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Add garlic, basil, oregano, and marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the sauce, half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or leave out the meat for a vegetarian version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Find it online: https://avarecipes.com/best-baked-ziti-ever-recipe/