Description

Easy Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella. It’s a simple, quick, and satisfying recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family meals.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta

4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce

1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese

2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

1 teaspoon (6 g) salt

½ teaspoon (3 g) black pepper

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ziti Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in salted water, stopping 1–2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of sauce. Layer half of the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.

Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top.

Mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 95mg