Description
This Classic Baked Ziti recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta mixture, topped with layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting Italian-American casserole is great for family dinners and gatherings, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
- 28 ounces marinara sauce (or store-bought)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, amount to taste)
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Cheese Mixtures
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or torn into pieces)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (plus 2 tbsp for layering and topping)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely minced)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (finely minced)
- 1 garlic clove (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when your ziti is assembled.
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned completely, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse the beef with flavor.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and red pepper flakes if using. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then reserve 2 cups of the sauce for later layering.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tbsp parmesan, egg, minced parsley, basil, grated garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful cheese blend.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the remaining meat sauce in the pot and stir until all pasta is coated evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole (First Layer): Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on top, then scatter the fresh mozzarella pieces over this layer.
- Layer Sauce and Pasta (Second Layer): Pour the 2 reserved cups of meat sauce evenly over the first layer. Add the remaining half of the pasta mixture on top, then distribute the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese layers.
- Bake Uncovered and Broil: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly. For a golden, bubbly finish, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving hot and enjoying your comforting baked ziti.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier texture and better melting compared to shredded.
- Reserve some sauce to ensure the pasta stays moist and flavorful during baking.
- Broil carefully at the end to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked when needed; cover and refrigerate until ready.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meatless alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
