Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta baked in a savory meat marinara sauce layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering rich flavors and gooey, cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta until just under al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble the casserole – first layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then add half of the cooked pasta, spread all of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan on top.
- Assemble the casserole – final layers: Add the remaining pasta over the ricotta layer, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Rest before serving: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven to allow it to set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and use extra vegetables or mushrooms in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can prep and assemble the dish a day ahead, then refrigerate before baking.
