Description

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of al dente pasta, savory marinara sauce, and a medley of gooey cheeses. This easy-to-make dish takes just minutes to prepare and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this Baked Ziti is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
4 cups marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meat; drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, simmering for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Layer half of the meat sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the ziti and dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or provolone for unique flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.