Description

Indulge in the warmth of Classic Baked Ziti, a delicious dish layered with ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and an abundance of melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. With its bubbling cheese and savory aroma, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 lb ground beef or sausage
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked; drain and stir in marinara sauce.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a baking dish, layer half the meat sauce, then half the ziti, followed by half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add your favorite vegetables. Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.