Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouth-watering, cheesy, and irresistible Baked Ziti you've ever tasted! This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines perfectly cooked ziti, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of three incredible cheeses that will have your family fighting for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or create a comforting meal that screams home-cooked deliciousness, this Baked Ziti recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add marinara sauce to the cooked ground beef, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked ziti pasta. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with half the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer. Add the remaining pasta, then top with remaining meat sauce.
- Cover the top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just shy of the package instructions. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to start with a slightly firmer pasta to prevent mushiness.
- Cheese Strategy: Mix your ricotta with the egg beforehand – this helps create a creamier, more cohesive cheese layer that binds beautifully.
- Don't Skimp on Seasoning: The Italian seasoning is crucial. If you can, use fresh herbs or toast your dried herbs briefly to enhance their flavor.
- Foil Technique: Cover the dish for the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to get that gorgeous golden, crispy cheese top.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
- Customize Your Protein: While this recipe uses ground beef, feel free to substitute with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even make it vegetarian with roasted vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
