Classic Baked Ziti
This Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavor, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 12 oz Ziti pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 lb Ground beef or sausage Can swap with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 small Onion, chopped Provides sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Essential for flavor.
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes Base of the savory sauce.
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Lends creaminess.
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese For gooey texture.
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Finishing touch for flavor.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning For classic flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential seasoning.
- optional Fresh basil for garnish Adds freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking and Assembly
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir until well mixed. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the ricotta and mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Baking and Serving
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
This baked ziti is perfect for meal prep; you can assemble and refrigerate it up to 48 hours in advance before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.