Description
Classic Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection. This dish combines ground beef or Italian sausage with a rich tomato sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying family meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Layer half of the cooked pasta over the meat sauce. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then add the rest of the pasta followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of Parmesan cheese and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free option is needed.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
