Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender al dente pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. A comforting and flavorful Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, or gluten-free pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
Cheese & Herbs
- 15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until meat is no longer pink and onion is translucent. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble Pasta Mixture: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the remaining meat sauce, chopped basil leaves, ricotta cheese, and the cooked pasta. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled ziti for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to brown and crisp the cheese topping.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the marinara or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled.
- Using gluten-free pasta makes this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet without compromising taste.
- Feel free to substitute part or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Allowing the casserole to rest slightly after baking helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.
