Description
Comfort meets Italian-American cuisine in this mouthwatering Baked Ziti, a cheesy pasta casserole loaded with rich marinara and melted mozzarella. Hearty layers of pasta, sauce, and three kinds of cheese promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
- 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) jar marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Prepare the pasta in boiling water until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- In a spacious skillet, transform the ground meat and diced aromatics into a rich, caramelized mixture, carefully eliminating excess oils. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant essence.
- Infuse the meat with vibrant marinara, complementing it with traditional Italian herb blend, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and develop depth of flavor.
- Create a creamy base by blending soft ricotta, a whisked egg, aged Parmesan, and a portion of shredded mozzarella until smooth and well incorporated.
- Construct alternating layers within the prepared dish: first a bed of pasta, then a generous spread of meat sauce, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat this layering process to build complexity.
- Crown the casserole with the remaining mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake until heated through. Remove the protective covering and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly, permitting the layers to settle and flavors to meld. Optionally, scatter fresh herbs across the surface for a final flourish of color and aroma.
Notes
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein alternative that adds variety without sacrificing flavor.
- Drain ricotta cheese overnight in a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thicker and creamier cheese layer that holds together perfectly.
- For gluten-free options, swap traditional ziti with gluten-free pasta and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Make ahead and freeze the entire casserole unbaked for convenient meal prep, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container with careful wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg