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A steaming dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It features a rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked ziti, and a creamy cheese topping, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil the ziti until al dente before draining it well.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any fat and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Ziti
  1. Combine the ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the egg in a bowl and in a separate large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti with the meat sauce to coat it evenly.
  2. Spread half of the ziti and meat sauce mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then dollop the ricotta mixture over it and top with the remaining ziti mixture.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meat sauce. You can also add a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and taste.