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Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: dinner
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
  • Salt for boiling water
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 jar 24–26 oz marinara sauce or homemade sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
For Topping
  • 1 –2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatul

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just under al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside.
  3. Expert Advice: Since the pasta bakes in the oven, undercooking slightly ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat. Break into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Mix in tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor.
  4. A thicker sauce prevents watery ziti after baking.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine:
  2. Ricotta
  3. Mozzarella
  4. Parmesan
  5. Egg
  6. Garlic powder
  7. Dried basil
  8. Salt & pepper
  9. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  10. Why this works: The egg binds the cheese mixture, creating a delicious, creamy layer throughout the casserole.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer in this order:
  3. Half of the cooked pasta
  4. Half of the meat sauce
  5. All of the ricotta mixture (spread gently)
  6. Remaining pasta
  7. Remaining sauce
  8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbling.
  2. For browned, crispy edges on top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
  3. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.