Description
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about five minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for ten minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with the meat sauce mixture. Gently fold in the ricotta mixture until evenly distributed.
- Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer half of the ziti mixture into the dish, followed by remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then top with the rest of the ziti.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for twenty-five minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional ten minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use whole grain or gluten-free ziti for a healthier option. Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance nutrition. Let baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.