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Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting layers of ziti pasta dance with rich marinara and melted cheeses in this irresistible Italian-American classic. Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Cheeses:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a perfect environment for melting cheese and creating a crispy top layer.
  2. Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
  4. If desired, brown ground meat in the same skillet, ensuring complete cooking and breaking into small crumbles.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, fresh chopped basil, dried oregano, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture, spreading it out in an even layer.
  8. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a generous cheese coverage.
  9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly bubbling.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, helping the dish set and making it easier to serve.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic taste.
  • Opt for fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
  • Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
  • Reduce carbohydrate content by using low-carb pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta for a lighter meal.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg