Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Every Occasion
A cheesy, hearty, and delicious easy baked ziti recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and gatherings. Made with rich tomato sauce, flavorful beef, and gooey melted cheese!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
- 1 tsp salt for boiling water
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
For Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan. Set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes covered. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Video
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
