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Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
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Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender tubular pasta baked in a rich, savory meat and marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses, finished with Parmesan for a deliciously gooey and golden crust. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, offering flexibility for customization and great leftover flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley), then simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Combine Ricotta and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the cooked ziti with ricotta cheese to evenly coat the pasta with creamy texture.
  4. Layer the Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the ricotta-coated pasta, spoon over more meat sauce, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; cook just until al dente for best texture after baking.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked meat to avoid oily sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs (basil, parsley) when possible for enhanced flavor.
  • Mix ricotta and mozzarella well for creamy coating and melty topping.
  • Let the baked ziti rest briefly after baking to set and improve slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, meat sauce, Italian casserole, pasta bake, ricotta, mozzarella, family dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/baked-ziti-with-meat-sauce/