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A generous slice of cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe covered in rich tomato sauce and browned mozzarella.

Baked Ziti Recipe

  • Author: cocktailmixguide.com
  • Total Time: 60 min
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A straightforward recipe for classic baked ziti pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. In the large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the ricotta mixture, and about half of the remaining meat sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta.
  9. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining meat sauce.
  10. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese over the top layer of sauce.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  12. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
  • For a richer flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an extra 10 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10
  • Sodium: 750
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 70

Keywords: baked ziti, pasta bake, italian casserole, ziti recipe, cheesy pasta

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Find it online: https://cocktailmixguide.com/baked-ziti-recipe-classic-cheesy-pasta/