Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Classic Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting Italian-American favorite! Made with layers of al dente pasta, rich and flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. A golden, bubbly top makes it irresistible!

Ingredients
    For the Pasta:
  • 450 g (1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
    • For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g (1 lb)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 700 g (24 oz)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • For the Cheese Mixture:
  • 250 g (1 cup)
  • 1 large egg
  • 50 g (1/2 cup)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    • For Assembly:
  • 250 g (2 cups)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
    Cook the Pasta
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
    2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
  2. 2
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    3. Make the Cheese Mixture
  3. 3
    In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, dried basil, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
    4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
  4. 4
    Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
    5. Bake the Ziti
  5. 5
    Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
    6. Let it Rest & Serve
  6. 6
    Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Note
  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for best results.
  • Freezing: Freeze assembled (unbaked) ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
  • Variations: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor, or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist.
Keywords: Easy, Family-friendly, Comfort food, Italian, Cheesy
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/classic-baked-ziti-recipe/