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

Proven way to grow your Baked Ziti skillsBaked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe is a delicious and satisfying Italian-American classic, perfect for a comforting family meal. Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in a dish that's sure to please everyone.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 16 ounces ziti pasta
Sauce
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage cooked and drained
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • colander
  • large bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  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, then drain it thoroughly.
Assemble
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  2. Spread half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the marinara sauce, and then half of the ricotta cheese mixture.
  3. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, marinara sauce, and ricotta mixture.
  4. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Bake
  1. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  2. If you desire 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 the layers to set.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce. You can also customize the cheese mixture with other Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer taste. This dish reheats well, making it excellent for meal prep or leftovers.