Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is an easy, saucy, and cheesy pasta casserole.  It’s easy to make in about 40 minutes — just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy!

Celina Swartz

Baked Ziti Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 lb Ziti pasta or penne pasta
  • 1 Small Onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 4 1/2 cups Mariana Sauce
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just aldente then drain (do not overcook since they will continue to cook in the oven).
  2. In a deep pan or dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is fully cooked through and onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and sautee another minute. Add 4 1/2 cups of marinara, bring to a simmer and continue cooking 5 minutes then turn off the heat.
  3. Spread a ladle of meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.
  4. Into the remaining sauce, add in the ricotta. Add cooked pasta and stir just until noodles are coated (you want to keep that ricotta texture)
  5. Transfer the pasta to the casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan
  6. Bake at 350˚F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes then serve. ENJOY!