Description
This classic Italian-American baked ziti combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti casserole.
- Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté onion: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook beef and garlic: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble layers: In a large baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked pasta, then spread half of the meat sauce over it, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
- Add final cheese topping: Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top layer for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the layers hold together and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or vegetables instead.
- You can prepare this dish ahead by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
