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Baked Ziti served with garlic bread and Caesar salad
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Baked Ziti Recipe

This Baked Ziti Recipe is loaded with tender ziti pasta, rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It's an easy Italian-American comfort food that's perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and freezer meals.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 610kcal

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cheese Grater
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage casing removed
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and drain excess grease.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  • Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
  • Add half of the pasta mixture.
  • Top with half of the ricotta mixture in small spoonfuls.
  • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden if desired.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cook the pasta only until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving for cleaner slices.
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.