Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This irresistible baked ziti recipe is packed with tender pasta, creamy cheese, and a flavorful sauce. It's the ultimate comfort dish for your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Season with basil, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the ricotta cheese. Mix until well coated.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground meat with plant-based options for a vegetarian version.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce for added flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to control the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Find it online: https://katyrecipes.com/best-baked-ziti-ever-recipe/