Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American pasta dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal. It’s similar to lasagna but easier to make, with layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce. Top with half of the cooked ziti.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Add another layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add the remaining ziti, the rest of the meat sauce, and finally, the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 6-8
Baked Ziti is a delicious and filling dish, ideal for a cozy dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!
