Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is the ultimate comfort food loaded with layers of ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this classic baked ziti is a family favorite you'll make again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with minced garlic until browned; drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt.
- Layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish: half the ziti, half the sauce, half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Find it online: https://elianarecipes.com/best-baked-ziti-ever-recipe/