Description
This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a hearty homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella combine for a dish that’s loved by all. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups prepared marinara sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Combine the sauce: Add the prepared marinara sauce to the meat. Stir to combine, then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the ziti: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Top with any leftover meat sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or use low-fat cheese options.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American