Description
This classic baked ziti is a comforting dish that features pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well.
- Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture on top. Add the remaining meat sauce, followed by the rest of the ziti mixture.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: baked ziti recipe, classic baked ziti, easy baked ziti, Italian baked ziti, homemade baked ziti