Name: Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta); 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 5 cups marinara sauce; 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese; 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped; 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

Introduction

Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy pasta casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich ricotta cheese, and plenty of marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

A close-up view of baked ziti being lifted with a wooden spoon from a white dish, showing a thick top layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with lightly browned spots and scattered small green herb pieces. Beneath the cheese is a rich, chunky red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat and creamy white ricotta cheese, visibly coating tube-shaped pasta pieces that are soft and well-cooked. The cheese stretches in long strands from the lifted portion, and the dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta (or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta)

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

1 onion (chopped)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

5 cups marinara sauce

15 oz fresh ricotta

10 fresh basil leaves

12 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)

1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until fully cooked and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Pour in 5 cups of marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat.

Step 4: Spread a ladle of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 5: Chop the basil leaves and add them to the remaining sauce along with the ricotta cheese. Add the cooked pasta and stir gently until noodles are coated, keeping some texture from the ricotta.

Step 6: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated parmesan. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 7: Wipe the edges of the dish clean to prevent cheese from burning. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.

Fold chopped spinach or mushrooms into the sauce to increase vegetable content.

For extra creaminess, mix some shredded mozzarella into the ricotta before combining with the sauce.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Some also use cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer taste.