Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features al dente pasta combined with a rich meat and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden cheesy crust, it’s a comforting, hearty Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, or gluten-free pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
Cheese and Herbs
- 15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is cooked through and onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for an additional minute to release the flavors. Stir in the marinara sauce, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a separate large bowl, mix together the remaining meat sauce, chopped basil leaves, fresh ricotta cheese, and the cooked pasta. Stir gently to ensure all the pasta is well coated with the mixture.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly over the sauce in the baking dish. Top this layer with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and cheese to form a second layer.
- Bake and Broil: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled ziti casserole for 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and heated through. For a beautifully browned cheesy top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Using gluten-free pasta keeps this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
