Description
Mouthwatering baked ziti delivers classic Italian-American comfort through layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. Hearty portions promise satisfying dinner experiences you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground chicken
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (454 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Oil:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for your ziti masterpiece.
- Boil the ziti pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, browning thoroughly while breaking into small crumbles. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Construct the casserole by spreading a thin meat sauce base in a baking dish, then layer systematically: first half of ziti, followed by half of cheese mixture, and half of remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layering process.
- Crown the dish with a generous blanket of remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust.
- Allow the ziti to rest for a few minutes after removing from oven, letting flavors settle before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and cutting back on added salt during cooking.
- Control portion sizes by using whole wheat ziti or adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.
- Make ahead and freeze the assembled ziti for convenient meal prep, covering tightly with foil to prevent freezer burn and maintaining quality for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg