Description
Hearty baked ziti brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with layers of melted cheese, zesty marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta. Creamy, cheesy goodness promises a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 egg
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Herbs:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a robust tomato-infused base by sautéing meat in a skillet until golden and crumbly, releasing rich, deep flavors.
- Enhance the meat mixture with aromatic garlic, vibrant marinara, diced tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of herbs like basil and oregano, allowing the components to meld and intensify for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare a creamy cheese fusion by whisking ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, a whisked egg, and fresh parsley until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Create a foundational layer in a baking dish with a thin spread of sauce, then methodically construct alternating strata of ziti, robust meat sauce, and luxurious cheese mixture.
- Crown the assembled casserole with an additional generous sprinkle of mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melted cheese appeal.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transform in a preheated 375°F oven, allowing initial covered baking to develop deep flavors.
- Unveil the foil during the final cooking phase to achieve a golden, bubbling, irresistibly crisp cheese topping.
- Allow the ziti to rest briefly after emerging from the oven, permitting the layers to settle and intensify in flavor before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate parsley sprigs for a fresh, verdant touch that elevates the visual presentation.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option that keeps protein levels high.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and controlling salt during seasoning.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and minimize kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg