Easy Baked Ziti
A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners, Easy Baked Ziti is quick to make and loved by all.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, browned meat, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
Baking
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.