Best Ever Baked Ziti
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of the Best Ever Baked Ziti! This dish is a delightful combination of al dente pasta layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy baked ziti recipe caters to all tastes, even those of picky eaters. With its customizable ingredients, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences while still enjoying every satisfying bite. Bring everyone together around the table and create lasting memories with this beloved comfort food!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- Fresh basil (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and fresh basil.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce followed by half of the cheesy pasta mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://easywithella.com/best-ever-baked-ziti/