Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring al dente pasta layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing family dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aroma.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the ziti casserole.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, then spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on top. Add half of the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta, and top with the rest of the meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled pasta layers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt under gentle heat.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Use gluten-free pasta if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
