Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe is an easy and comforting pasta casserole featuring ziti pasta, hearty ground beef, rich ricotta cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish makes a perfect family meal that’s simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 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
Cheeses and Herbs
- 15 oz fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Avoid overcooking since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Start the Casserole: Spread a ladle of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Combine Sauce, Ricotta, Basil, and Pasta: Add the chopped basil and ricotta cheese to the remaining meat sauce and stir to combine. Then, gently fold in the cooked pasta to coat the noodles without overmixing, preserving the creamy texture of the ricotta.
- Layer the Pasta and Cheese: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over it. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
- Prepare for Baking: Clean the edges of the casserole dish to prevent cheese from burning and sticking during baking.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Then broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Let Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta during boiling to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Broiling at the end helps create a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta casserole, easy Italian recipe, comfort food, baked pasta, ricotta pasta, cheesy pasta bake
