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A delicious tray of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe is a classic, comforting Italian-American dish featuring ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. It's an ideal meal for family dinners or feeding a crowd, offering a hearty and satisfying experience with every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ziti
  • 16 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander
  • medium bowl
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Assemble the Ziti
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then add half of the cooked ziti.
  3. Top the ziti with half of the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the remaining meat sauce.
  4. Repeat layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  2. For a golden brown top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. You can also customize the cheese blend with provolone or fontina for different textures and tastes. If preparing ahead, assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.