Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish made with layers of ziti, marinara, ground beef, and melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasions, it's easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the marinara mixture. Mix well.
- Spread a layer of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining marinara sauce and cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Find it online: https://cookingwithjessica.com/best-baked-ziti-ever-recipe/