Here’s a classic Baked Ziti recipe—cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook meat:
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Prepare cheese mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1 cup mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the ziti:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the cooked ziti, half the meat sauce, and half the cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- For a creamier texture, mix ½ cup heavy cream into the ricotta mixture.
✅ Tip: For a bubbly, golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
I can also give a one-pot stovetop ziti version that’s ready in under 30 minutes if you want a quicker meal.
